As Warm Weather Teases, 'The Cow' Prepares to Entice with Italian Ice

Westminster has more than its fair share of cows, but the most recent addition to the herd brings with it yummy Italian ice treats. 

The Cow, which has been operating successfully on Main Street in Reisterstown since 2000, opened a second location in Westminster in October. 

“We have 50 to 60 flavors of Italian Ice and everything is handmade, onsite,” explained Mike Reiner owner of The Cow.

Reiner, 45, of southern Pennsylvania, started his Italian Ice franchise in Reisterstown in 2000. Originally named “Dairy Fresh,” locals quickly dubbed the popular Italian Ice and Frozen Custard hangout “The Cow,” because of the distinct large cow that stands overlooking Reisterstown Road.

The Cow is symbolic of Reiner’s childhood memories of visiting his favorite ice cream stop, Cloverland, which had a petting zoo. It also illustrates the idea of the fresh local dairy he uses in his frozen custard.

After a 2005 renovation and expansion of the Reisterstown shop, the name was officially changed to “The Cow.” Because The Cow was so popular, and Reiner had family, friends and a large fan-base located in Westminster, he expanded his business to open the second store at 473 Baltimore Blvd. in Westminster.

“Westminster is a great place to do business, and the people are friendly,” Reiner said.

Prior to opening The Cow in Reisterstown, Reiner operated many of the local area snowball stands around Westminster. In fact, his cow mascot is rightfully named “Snowflake,” in honor of the popular Snowflakes Snowball Stand that Reiner once operated here in town.

The Cow offers a variety of one-of-a kind Italian ice flavors like Rocky Road, Café Vienna and Pumpkin, as well as common flavors like cherry and lime.

"It's a very labor-intensive job," Reiner told Patch in an interview last fall. But his loyal customers  make it worth it. "It makes me feel privileged. It's our responsibility to take care of our customers and we're happy that they come to visit us."