The story behind Mogo Icecreamery's 1950s-style makeover

It was once a grocery store, a service station and a much-loved icecreamery: now the building at 38 Princes Highway, Mogo, is starting life as a 1950s-style icecreamery and diner.

The former Mogo Icecreamery was given a striking old-school American style makeover in April of this year, and the result is part Happy Days and part I Love Lucy.

The transformation includes new seating booths inside, the removal of the front window so diners can look out over the Princes Highway, and a new outdoor area with a sandpit for the kids.

The new HWY 1 menu includes gourmet hotdogs, American style waffles and, of course, a selection of 26 heavenly icecream flavours. The diner’s milkshakes and thickshakes are made directly from the icecream, with ginger and liquorice among the most unusual.

HWY 1 owner Heather Birss says Pop’s Diner, from the hit Netflix series Riverdale, was also part of the inspiration for the diner. She describes the retro makeover as "a fun, creative project for [husband] Clay and I".

“We've had local people chip in and help with absolutely everything,” Heather says.

“We had the concept in our brains and it was all hands on deck. Clay and I did a lot of the work but so many people from the surrounding areas helped bring it to life.

“People are loving it so far, and we can’t wait to welcome lots of new visitors over summer.”

Mogo Icecreamery has been a staple on the Mogo itinerary for decades, with previous owner Brian Daly behind the counter serving double and single scoops to locals and holidaying Canberrans for 23 years. Sadly, Brian passed away earlier this year.

Heather and husband Clayton, who own the icecreamery and the block of land it’s on, decided to keep the tradition going by opening a place for people to stop and have a cold drink or treat while exploring Mogo.

“Mogo has always been somewhere people go – and that includes locals – to buy something a little bit different,” Heather says.

“The specialty shops and the little galleries always draw a crowd.

“So it's nice to have something different, something special and unique for people to see and be part of.”

And if you drive a vintage car there’s good news: you get to park in the VIP spot right in front of the diner.

HWY 1 Mogo Icecreamery and Diner, located at 38 Princes Highway, Mogo, is open Thursday to Sunday, 10am–4pm. Follow the diner on Facebook.