Battle Born Ice Cream Truck

David and Colleen Colburn, owners of the Battle Born Ice Cream Truck, are bringing nostalgia to life in Fallon with music, flashing lights, and frozen treats that remind many residents of summers past.

They purchased an ice cream truck in 2019 and began operating the business before COVID-19 shut down their ice cream distributors, forcing them to sell the truck. In 2022, they decided to restart the business, especially after David retired from his full-time job.

One unique feature of the business is an app customers can use to track the truck’s route. The app originated in Belgium, and Battle Born Ice Cream Truck is the first in the United States to use it. The app allows customers to check the route, request the truck stop in their neighborhood, or locate the truck to purchase treats.

When the Colburns applied for licenses and permits from both the City of Fallon and Churchill County, one of the first hurdles involved safety, primarily children crossing the street to get to the truck. David installed speakers for music and safety announcements, along with flashing warning lights to alert drivers when the truck is stopped with customers nearby.

The Colburns source ice cream and other frozen treats from Reno. The treats are individually wrapped, pre-packed, and stored in freezers that David and Colleen installed in the truck.

Battle Born Ice Cream Truck mainly serves densely populated areas throughout the city and county, as well as special or private events such as a private Memorial Day barbecue, Flag Football Championships, the opening day of the Fallon Splash Pad, and school functions like E.C. Best’s summer kickoff party. Businesses are encouraged to contact them to arrange stops at their locations as well.

The Colburns encourage children to bring their own money when visiting the truck. Part of the nostalgia comes from children deciding what they want, counting their money to make sure they have enough, paying, and then double-checking that they received the correct change back. Teachers at E.C. Best said the experience also provides a valuable learning opportunity for students. Battle Born Ice Cream Truck also accepts digital payment.

During the ice cream truck's offseason, David and Colleen work professionally as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus throughout Fallon and the surrounding areas. Colleen also owns and operates CC Massage Therapy.