Desserts on the Roll began with a simple idea: turn dessert into an experience. Founder Leah Davis didn’t just want to serve something sweet—she wanted to create moments people would remember. What started as a curiosity about rolled ice cream quickly transformed into a thriving, award‑winning dessert brand and food truck that now travels throughout Chattanooga, bringing joy, creativity, and connection everywhere it goes.
Davis first learned the craft of rolled ice cream by hand, practicing the technique, refining her flavors, and discovering that customers weren’t just drawn to the taste. They were captivated by the process. Watching ice cream freeze, spread, and curl into perfect rolls became a form of entertainment. Davis quickly realized she had tapped into something special. From there, she expanded her menu to include milkshakes, Italian ice, acai bowls, and a growing lineup of treats that reflect her playful, community‑centered approach to dessert.
Moreover, the heart of Desserts on the Roll has always been about more than food. Davis hopes her business serves as a gathering point, something that brings people together across neighborhoods, events, and backgrounds. “I want Desserts on the Roll to be more than just a dessert stop,” she explains. “Whether it’s families, kids, or community events, we create a fun, welcoming experience. Creating inclusive, joyful spaces is something that means a lot to me.” For Davis, connection is the mission.
Growth Through the Business Literacy Series
Ultimately, Davis’s journey took a major leap forward when she joined the Business Literacy Series (BLS) through the INCubator. Before the program, she was making the business work through passion, grit, and long hours. After graduating, she stepped into a new level of leadership. “Becoming a BLS graduate helped me step fully into my role as a business owner—and now as a CEO,” she says. “It gave me structure, confidence in my numbers, and the ability to make strategic decisions instead of just operating day‑to‑day.”
That shift is one of the most significant transformations the INCubator aims to create. For Davis, it meant learning how to build systems, understand financials, and plan for sustainable growth. As a result, she credits the program with helping her move from reactive to intentional. From “just making it work” to building something that can last.
A Business Shaped by Chattanooga’s Supportive Ecosystem
Chattanooga’s business community has played a major role in Davis’s success. From local events to networking opportunities, she found a city eager to uplift small businesses and celebrate local talent. “The encouragement and opportunities here have played a big role in helping Desserts on the Roll expand and reach new levels,” she says. Through collaborations, pop‑ups, festivals, and partnerships, Davis has been able to grow her visibility and connect with other entrepreneurs who share her drive.
In addition to events and networking, Chattanooga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem offers something equally valuable: a culture of collaboration. Business owners regularly share resources, advice, and support, creating an environment where new ideas can take root and grow. Davis found mentors who helped her refine her strategy, peers who encouraged her through challenges, and community partners who opened doors to new opportunities. This spirit of shared success has helped her strengthen her business foundation and feel deeply connected to the city she serves.
Where They’re Rolling Next
Desserts on the Roll continues to evolve. Consistently adding new menu items, expanding its presence at community events, and finding new ways to bring people together. The best way to follow along is through social media, where Davis shares updates on the food truck’s next stops, new treats, and behind‑the‑scenes moments that showcase the heart of the brand. “You can follow us on social media to see where we’re rolling next,” she says. “We’re always out in the community, and we love connecting with our supporters in person.”
As Desserts on the Roll continues to grow, one thing remains constant: Davis’s commitment to joy, community, and creativity. What began as a single idea—rolled ice cream—has become a Chattanooga favorite and a shining example of how the INCubator helps entrepreneurs turn passion into possibility.
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