These kids opened an ice cream truck to honour their nan's memory

You might do a double take with your double scoop at a new ice cream trailer in Clarenville, N.L. — because the owners are just 10 and 12 years old.

Siblings Zaylah and Xavier Adams opened Nan's Freezer last week in honour of their grandmother, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.

"When [nan] was little she wanted to have an ice cream truck, but she got too sick to do it," said Zaylah, 10. "So me and my brother decided to do it." 

Their grandmother, Sonia Adams, adored ice cream, and would always shower the kids with fun and sweet treats. 

"When you think about nan's freezer, it usually has a bunch of ice cream and baked goods inside," said Xavier, 12. 

"What happens at nan's stays at nan's — like when I had cake for breakfast."

Kids made a deal with the trailer owner

The kids negotiated a deal with the man who owned the food trailer: they could have it for free as long as they don't compete with him — and he gets free ice cream for life.

The truck was originally a chip truck, "so we had to do a lot of cleaning and painting," said Xavier.

The kids decided on which flavours to sell, including build-your-own sundae bars, just like their nan used to make.

"The whole thing actually has been really quite emotional," said Trevor Adams, the kids' dad.

When nan was sick, she let everybody know she's always wanted an ice cream shop. Trevor thought about opening one with his brother — but she got too ill.

"To see the kids follow through with it is really something."

Trevor describes his mom Sonia as a person who "reflected light when she walked into a room," and always looked for the good in people. There's now a picture of Sonia in the truck, and Trevor says it's become a talking point among customers.

'A lot of math' involved

Xavier said opening the business took "a lot of math" and sacrificing their summer break. 

The kids got help from their family: their Pop helped build the picnic tables and prepare the trailer, and their mom Leah set them up with Youth Ventures, which helps young people start their own business.

But the kids' dad, Trevor, said he tried to stay hands-off as much as possible. He connected them with the right people, he says, then let the kids do the talking.

"They only know us being self employed and I guess it just comes natural," said Trevor, who owns his own business in town.

Zaylah said she learned "hard work" from the experience, and her grandfather always talks about "elbow grease."

The ice cream shop opened last week, and "we sold out of banana splits pretty easily," said Xavier.

It's only open Fridays and Saturdays — so there's still time for play and swimming.

Her advice for other kids who want to go into business? "Just go ahead and do it." Zaylah said.

"And eat some of your profit."

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