There’s nothing quite like a warm, melty pizza followed by a sweet, tasty ice cream cone on a hot summer evening. Luckily, Freshfields Village is home to both. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat from Ben & Jerry’s or gathering with family and friends for dinner at La Tela Pizzeria, these longtime Village favorites have become part of countless summer memories.
Behind every scoop and every slice are people who understand the importance of good food, genuine hospitality and creating a place where people want to spend time together.
Introducing two entrepreneurs at Freshfields bringing cool treats and warm, melty pizza. One turned a culinary school project into a beloved pizzeria, while the other followed generations of family hospitality experience into building a local ice cream staple.
La Tela Pizzeria: A Culinary School Dream Brought to Life
Long before “La Tela” became a Freshfields Village favorite, it started as a culinary school project.
Owner and chef, Dave Robb, spent most of his life around food. Growing up in the Carolinas, his love for cooking was inspired by his Italian heritage, family meals and fresh ingredients pulled straight from the garden.
His first restaurant job came at age 17 as a dishwasher in a steakhouse. Before long, he found himself cooking in the kitchen and developing the skills that would eventually shape his career. After moving to Charleston to attend culinary school, Dave created the concept that would later become La Tela.
La Tela opened in 2009 and has since become known for its fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza and commitment to quality ingredients.
Local Ingredients Lead the Menu
Nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch using ingredients sourced as close to home as possible.
That commitment to local ingredients shows up throughout the menu. “We use local eggs in our fresh pasta. We use local beef in our meatballs, and we use local chicken in our chicken parmesan. We bake bread fresh daily.”
Seasonality also plays a major role in the menu. This spring, guests enjoyed local strawberries featured in house-made gelato and Nutella panna cotta, along with seasonal vegetables incorporated into rotating pizza specials and fresh salads.
For Dave, La Tela has always been about more than great food: “It’s a place we want you to enjoy with your friends and family.”
When he’s exploring the Village, you’ll often find him supporting neighboring retailers, whether he’s picking up dog treats at Doolittle’s, stopping by Urban Nirvana or dropping in at Post & Computer Center for any business needs.
Ben & Jerry’s: Serving Up Smiles, One Scoop at a Time
For Andrew Lee, local franchise owner at Ben & Jerry’s Kiawah, hospitality has always been part of his story.
Growing up in Myrtle Beach, he was surrounded by family members who owned hotels and restaurants, dating back generations. While he never expected to build a career in hospitality himself, the industry eventually found its way to him.
“I have a long history, but I never knew I was going to be doing this or anything in hospitality. It worked out that way, and I’m very grateful it did.”
Andrew brought Ben & Jerry’s to Freshfields Village in 2018. He grew up watching firsthand what it meant to serve the community and make people feel welcome. Since then, the shop has become a favorite stop for visitors and locals looking for an afternoon treat or end their day with a sweet cone.
The Sweetest Part of the Day
Step inside and you’ll quickly notice what makes the shop special. While Ben & Jerry’s is a national brand, each shop is owned by a local franchisee. Beyond the famous ice cream flavors, Andrew and his team focus on creating an experience that feels fun, welcoming, … and smells delicious!
For many visitors, a stop at Ben & Jerry’s is the perfect topping to a beach day, family outing or evening spent at Freshfields Village. Andrew says, “A lot of people are on vacation. It’s the exclamation point to their day or their vacation, and we just try to treat them the way we would want to be treated.”
This summer, guests can enjoy longtime favorites alongside new seasonal flavors, including Key Lime Pie, Black Raspberry Fudge Chunk and Honey Graham Latte. And if you’re wondering what Andrew recommends most?
“Our waffle cones are our secret weapon. We make those daily, and when someone opens the door, [the smell] really hits them in the face, and it’s fun to see that reaction.”
Like many Freshfields Village business owners, Andrew is a regular customer at his neighbors’ businesses. His go-to stops include Café Eugenia and Harvest, where you’ll often find him grabbing a quick lunch between serving guests.
Whether you’re ending the day with a scoop of ice cream or gathering around a table for pizza and pasta night, Ben & Jerry’s and La Tela are part of what makes Freshfields Village feel like home. The next time you visit, stop in, say hello, and support the local business owners who help create memorable moments for visitors and neighbors alike.
Get to know the stories behind other business owners and the paths that brought them to Freshfields Village.
When you visit, don’t forget to tag us @freshfieldsvillage so we can see how you’re exploring this summer!