Fiss'

A chalkboard June calendar under a "welcome" sign shows softball and baseball games. Next to it, colorful chalk reads: "Forecast today: Sunny with 100% chance of ice cream," with sun and ice cream cone drawings.

About

Where Fiss’ Started

Fiss’ opened in 1994 as the brainchild of Peggy and Woody Fogle – they put the “F” in Fiss’! Current owners, Tom and Polly Thiel, bought the business in 1998, keeping it all in the family because Peggy and Polly are sisters. Their son, Matt Thiel, literally grew up at Fiss’ from the age of 14. He’s Tom’s right-hand man and a popular, friendly face at Fiss’ most evenings. Tom can be found working and talking with customers almost every day.

A small restaurant with a green roof named “Fiss’s Ice Cream, Subs, Salads.” Signs in the windows advertise ice cream, subs, and cookies. A blue minivan is parked outside. The sky is cloudy.

Fiss’ Family Background

Tom had an extensive background in the restaurant business prior to Fiss’ – he began at Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream at the age of 17 at Southridge Mall. He and Polly, a Carlisle native, met through mutual friends and Happy Joe’s employees and were married in 1979. Polly spent a number of years as editor of the Carlisle Citizen before a career in the pet care industry. She and their daughter, Amanda, stay behind the scenes of Fiss’, helping out with special projects.

The Fiss’ of Today

Fiss’ has become a Carlisle institution- a place to go before or after the game, to visit with friends, and for many central Iowans, a place to grab lunch or a cone as you pass through town. Party subs have become a tasty attraction at graduations and other family and community get togethers. Families also enjoy serving our soups and bread bowls over the holidays!

A small, casual eatery with colorful metal chairs around wooden tables, a wall display of bags of chips, checkered tile floor, and bright windows letting in natural light.

You Are Everything to Us

We’re proud to be able to support various ball teams and youth organizations as well as many other local causes. One of our favorite programs is in conjunction with the Carlisle Police Department. Officers give away Fiss’ Tix when they spot young bicyclists riding safely. A bike is awarded to one lucky, safe rider each summer.

We feel so fortunate to be a part of this community, and we thank each and every one of you for your support over the years. 2020 was a tough year for so many restaurants, but our customers loyally waited in line at our drive-up window, continuing to enjoy their favorite ice cream, subs, and salads. We look forward to serving Carlisle area families for generations to come!