Dipak Davda, a 72-year-old ice cream vendor from the Belgrave area of Leicester, is marking an impressive 44 years in the business. Reflecting on his long career, Mr Davda fondly recalls a time when his first ice cream cone sold for a mere 10p, with a flake adding an extra 5p to the cost. He has become a beloved fixture at local events, festivals, and parks, known for his fleet of Mr Whippy vans.
Mr Davda's journey into the ice cream trade began in his 30s, prompted by his brother-in-law who already operated an ice cream van. After working alongside him for a period, Mr Davda recognised the potential in the business and decided to launch his own venture. He describes the initial menu in the 1980s as straightforward, focusing primarily on ice cream with a flake and simple sauces. This contrasts sharply with today's offerings, which include a wider array of flavours, colours, gelatos, slushies, and various toppings to satisfy evolving customer demands.
Over the decades, Mr Davda has witnessed significant changes, not only in customer preferences but also in operational costs. He notes that filling his fuel tank for work now costs between £90 and £100, a stark increase from the £8 it took in the 1980s. Despite these changes, his business has flourished, expanding from a single van to a fleet that caters to diverse events, including weddings and fetes, across Leicestershire.
A particularly rewarding aspect of his career, according to Mr Davda, is serving multiple generations of families. He recounts instances of serving children who later bring their own children, and even providing ice cream at the wedding receptions of couples whose parents he had previously served. His daughter, Mita Davda, who assisted her father as a child and continues to support him, shared that everyone at school knew her as 'Mr Whippy's daughter', highlighting the deep-rooted community connection.
Mr Davda attributes his enduring success to maintaining an honest service, a welcoming smile, and keeping his vans clean and prices fair. He remains optimistic about the future of ice cream sellers, believing that the sight of an ice cream van will always bring joy to people. As the UK experiences fluctuating summer weather, Mr Davda continues to embrace the demand for cool treats, serving smiles and sweet memories across Leicester.