Sweet Success: How Little Deb’s Became a Big Part of the Community
If you’re looking for a place where wild cherries meet gummy bears, where rubber duckies bathe in hot fudge, and where the community calendar includes both ice cream glow parties and Christmas in July—look no further than Little Deb’s. This ice cream shop is more than a summer stop—it’s a full-blown happiness headquarters, run by a woman whose creativity could power the whole county.
That creative woman? Little Deb herself, a lifelong Schoharie County resident, career waitress, and now the queen of cones. When Deb pulls into her parking lot off route 7 in the happy hamlet of Warnerville, she still gets goosebumps. “I just look at the sign and think, wow. I can’t believe this is mine,” with a smile that runs as deep as the roots she planted in her hometown of Richmondville, NY.
Deb has been a waitress in Schoharie County for over 30 years, serving up meals—and sweet-as-syrup service—at places like the Sharon Tavern and Grapevine Farms. “I’ve waited on some of the same people my whole life,” she says. That deep connection with the community fueled her lifelong dream of opening something of her own.
The idea for Little Deb’s started taking shape when her son graduated and she finally had a little time to think about what was next. She worked mornings cleaning houses, waitressed during the day, and saved every dollar—depositing it religiously into a savings account at her hometown bank (Bank of Richmondville). “Every time I made a deposit, I said to myself, ‘This is for something special.’ And I never touched it.”
“I didn’t tell anyone at first,” Deb confesses with a grin. “I didn’t want anyone to discourage me. I wanted to stay true to myself, see what I could do and do it my way.”
Her way, it turns out, is full of sparkle, spontaneity, and sundaes that could double as art installations. Think cotton candy and crunchy cookie toppings, themed events with live music and birthday parties, monthly fundraisers and car show ‘cruise-ins’, Perry’s signature ice cream (for both you and your dog) and yes—snow in July. At Little Deb’s, every sundae tells a story, every sprinkle is intentional, and every customer leaves a little sweeter than when they arrived.
After quietly signing the papers, Deb sat down with her former boss, Tim Purcell, to share the news. His immediate response: “Let’s go see it,” followed by “do you need someone to work tonight?” That moment of validation set the tone for what Little Deb’s would become—a space rooted in encouragement, support, and community collaboration.
“I take a little piece of everyone I’ve learned from,” Deb credits mentors from every phase of her life, “That’s what this place is—a whole puzzle made up of all those pieces.”
Paying it forward, Deb has just one scoop of advice: follow your dreams.
It’s not just about ice cream—it’s about belonging. From the bulletin board full of local upcoming events to the order window stacked with business cards, Deb has turned a seasonal spot into a yearlong destination. Even during the off-season, Deb finds ways to stay connected. She offers custom-decorated holiday ice cream cakes in the winter and opens for select events like “March Madness” or February’s national Ice Cream for Breakfast Day.
Deb’s creativity never melts—and she’s ready for every occasion with custom ice cream cakes like ‘Dough Si Dough,’ ‘Rootin’ Tootin’ (GF),’ and specialty sundaes like ‘Full Court Flizzard,’ ‘Bracket Buster,’ ‘Spaghetti Sundae,’ and ‘Freaky Frappe,’ just to name a few. Hotdogs and chili dogs have been big hits on the menu and only inspire Deb to do more – stay tuned for more creative eats, treats and soon-to-be indoor seats.
From the very beginning, Deb poured her heart into every detail, leaning into her natural talent for creating joyful, unforgettable experiences for kids and families. “I want people to come here and be happy. To feel like something good is going on, that there’s life and color and something to look forward to.”
That mindset is what makes Little Deb’s special. “The kids truly inspire me. They’re the heart of this place,” Deb shares. One timid little girl from New York City, who visits her grandmother every summer, captured that spirit perfectly when she quietly told Deb, “This is the best it’s ever been.” Deb still sends the family a Christmas card, “In that moment—she saw my heart. And I’m forever grateful for that.”
While Little Deb’s is known for its fun-loving flair, it’s also driven by deeply rooted values.
Deb’s story is a love letter to Richmondville—a place where she knows her customers by name, sees their children grow up, and recognizes when someone just needs a listening ear. “I love it here,” she says without hesitation. “I know the people, and they know me. That makes me want to stay rooted.”
What makes Little Deb’s different isn’t just the signature sundaes or the glow-in-the-dark parties—it’s Deb herself. Her joy is infectious. Her creativity is endless. And her belief in the power of community? Unshakable.
And in a world where good news is hard to come by, Little Deb’s is a reminder that joy can be served in a cup—with a cherry on top.
ROOTED
Interviewed and Authored by SEEC Associates, June 2025
Photos taken by Roslyn Rose Photography
RESOURCE BIN
Human
Little Deb, Owner & Founder of Little Deb’s
Physical
1524 State Route 7, Richmondville, NY, 12149
(518) 779-5293
Hours: Sunday - Monday: 2PM – 8PM, Tuesday: CLOSED, Wednesday - Thursday: 2PM – 8PM, Friday - Saturday: 2PM - 9PM
Financial
Bank of Richmondville - Savings Account
Intellectual/Industry
The young couple who once owned Amy’s, the previous ice cream shop, were instrumental in Deb’s early success—offering a step-by-step guide on permits, equipment, and running the machines.
Deb graciously credits family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and fellow local businesses for each playing a part as mentors along the way.
Build Your Own Cake!
Digital
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok: @littledebs.3
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