Meet Your Merchant: CHILL in the Village

Photography by Anna Petrow Photography

CHILL in the Village is the brain (freeze) child of owner and operator Karie Nelson. Karie, a busy mom to three teenagers, grew up in a family-owned, local business and wanted the same experience for her family. In 2018, Karie and Ed Nelson bought the TCBY franchise, located on the east side of The Shops of Prairie Village. They worked closely with Nancy and Al Bream, the beloved previous owners of TCBY, to ensure that the business remained a pillar of the Prairie Village community.

In 2020, the Nelsons discontinued their business relationship with TCBY and opened CHILL in the Village, their own independent family business. The Nelsons created a new menu of frozen desserts, renovated the interior of the shop, and added a new outdoor patio where customers can enjoy a sweet treat along with fresh air.

CHILL in the Village serves frozen yogurt and ice cream. Signature items include: The Big Chill, Brain Freeze, Hot Chocolate Bombs, yogurt sandwiches, parfaits, custom pies, endless toppings and Laura Littles candies.

“It is our personal goal to continue the mission that Nancy and Al Bream started - to maintain a safe, enjoyable, and delicious place for families to make memories, and so much more.” shared Karie. CHILL is proud to be a place for people to celebrate “firsts”. Everyone in the Prairie Village community can remember their first parfait, first job, and their first place to walk to after school.” said Karie.

The employees at CHILL are an important piece to the business and Karie considers them family. She and her store manager, Amanda Marnett, enjoy working with teenagers and helping them learn the inside scoop to business. CHILL hires local teenagers looking for their first job. They pride themselves on helping these young individuals enter the work world and learn how to be outstanding employees. 

“CHILL’s loyal customers, whether they have stayed with them since their TCBY days or more recently joined them on their journey, have helped them transition into a completely independent business.” shared Karie

“Dealing with COVID in 2020, while very challenging, has made us appreciate our loyal customers and employees even more than before. Without our customers and staff, none of this would be possible!” 

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