Downtown Delavan just got a whole lot sweeter. AO’s Ice Cream Parlor, the long‑awaited project of Chad and Jovon Endres, has officially opened its doors at 316 South Locust Street, bringing a fresh burst of color, community spirit, and homemade charm to the heart of town. The shop’s name, “AO’s,” is a tribute to the couple’s two children—Aiden and Oakley—whose initials inspired the parlor’s identity and its family‑centered mission.

The Endres family purchased the building in May 2023 with a vision of creating a family-friendly gathering place—one that would give local kids a safe, welcoming hangout and offer the community a new spot to slow down and enjoy something simple and joyful. Their project received a boost through Delavan’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program, which awarded $41,850, covering 20% of renovation and equipment costs, helping transform the long vacant structure into a bright new destination.

For the Endres family, AO’s is far more than a business venture. It’s the culmination of a deeply personal journey and a testament to the town they now proudly call home.

“We moved here five years ago not even ever hearing the name of this town before,” Jovon shared. “We knew we wanted to raise our son and soon daughter here. We fell in love with the town. Our neighbor welcomed us and has become family. We were welcomed into a wonderful church with such support and love. We want to see this town grow with close, loving families and support.”

Both Chad and Jovon have spent their careers working with at-risk youth—Jovon as an officer at a juvenile detention center for twelve years, and Chad for two decades in youth-focused roles. Their work shaped their vision for AO’s: a place where young people feel safe, seen, and supported.

“I wanted to open my time better for our community,” Jovon said. “To have a place to come feel safe and welcomed instead of finding themselves bored and causing trouble. This is just our way of giving back and supporting our youth in this town.”

But the path to opening day was anything but simple.

Shortly after purchasing the building, Jovon suffered a severe on-the-job injury that led to five major surgeries to repair nerve damage in her head and face. The medical setbacks brought construction to a halt and placed enormous strain—physical, emotional, and financial—on the family.

“We gutted the entire building, making a new start from bottom to top,” she said. “I was hurt on the job two years ago, resulting in five unexpected major surgeries… which set us back tremendously with time and financially.”

After her final surgery last March and a strong recovery, the family was finally able to move forward. Chad completed the remodel himself—while working full time, caring for Jovon through hospital stays and countless trips to Chicago, and raising their two children.

“I owe it all to my amazing husband,” Jovon said. “We are so blessed to be where we are today and to share our hearts and love with our wonderful community and family.”

AO’s is currently in its soft opening phase, welcoming customers on Fridays and Saturdays from 1–8 p.m. with a limited menu as the family fine-tunes operations. A grand opening is planned for mid-March, when the full menu will debut and regular hours will begin.

Today, AO’s Ice Cream Parlor stands as a bright new addition to downtown—an inviting space built not just with lumber and paint, but with grit, gratitude, and a deep belief in Delavan’s future.

For the Endres family, the shop is a love letter to the town that embraced them. For Delavan, it’s a reminder of what community investment—both financial and personal—can make possible.

And for everyone craving a cone, a sundae, or simply a place to gather, AO’s is ready to serve.