Fire Chief of the La Grange Fire Department Ryan Riley opened Riley's Southern Goods & Gardens and AvaRae’s Ice Cream Shoppe at 405 East Washington Street in La Grange on September 29, 2021. The ice cream shop is named after his two daughters Ava Grace and Reagan.

“I had a vision from the very beginning to create a destination for people in the La Grange community and surrounding communities to gather and enjoy family time,” said Riley.

Riley is a native of La Grange who started a lawn care business after high school before being accepted into the North Carolina Highway Patrol Academy and serving ten years as a trooper.

At Riley's Southern Goods & Gardens, they offer a men and women’s boutique which includes a variety of clothing, grilling supplies, jewelry, hat ware, eye ware, nice gifts, a full garden center with a large selection of flowers, plants, trees, mulch, rock, topsoil and more. They have a full selection of ice cream and coffee at the shop. They offer cold brew coffee along with hot and specialty drinks.

“Our customers will be able to stop in for early morning coffee and a snack,” said Riley. “We have a large outdoor sitting area beneath a pergola equipped with fans and lighting. We also have comfortable swings, tables, and chairs to enjoy the nice weather. There is a sitting bar and tables inside for indoor dining.”

The Riley Corporation which includes Riley Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance, Riley's Southern Goods & Gardens, and AvaRae’s Ice Cream Shoppe employs over 30 employees.

“There have been so many people help make this dream come true who I am so appreciative of,” said Riley. “Some are employees some are not, but I would have never been able to achieve success without each of them.

The coffee and Ice Cream Shoppe will operate from 6:30 am-7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, Friday 6:30 am-8:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am-8:30 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm-6:30 pm.

“This addition to the Riley Corporation was largely made possible by the overwhelming responsibility I have to make sure my two daughters grow up knowing how to serve all people, be professional, and establishing a hard work ethic,” said Riley.