Friday was a brisk February day in East Aurora.
As drivers took it slow on snow-covered roads and tree limbs were weighed down by accumulating snow flakes, a sign in Kone King's store front turned on.
East Aurora just got a little bit colder.
"It's time and people want ice cream," Kristen Jakubczak, co-owner of Kone King, said. "It's time to do it."
Kone King East has officially started serving its frozen treats again after closing its doors just before Thanksgiving last year.
Jakubczak said they reopen every February right around Valentine's Day and they have customers who seem to support it.
A handful of customers rolled in throughout the afternoon Friday, ordering the shop's homemade soft serve, milkshakes, sundaes and specialty cakes. They also have vegan options this year. Plus, they have a selection of Perry's ice creams.
Jakubczak said she thinks it is more than just the sugar that gets customers to her store, especially in the winter.
"I think it is a very special time for people to just come and sit with their family and enjoy a treat and people have been growing up with Kone King," Jakubczak said. "I mean, 19 years we've been here."
Whether it's an afternoon snack with friends, dessert following a meal with family or even the meal itself, Kone King has found its niche here.
And, perhaps, Western New Yorkers just like it cold.
Kone King East is located on 117 Hamburg Street in East Aurora. They are open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m.
Kone King in West Seneca opens on March 1.