Just ¾ of a mile from the family dairy farm in Campbellsburg, Kentucky, Rowlett’s Milkhouse Creamery is serving up some of the freshest, most wholesome dairy products in the region—including artisan cheeses, churned butter, and most famously, hand-crafted ice cream.
Owned and operated by siblings Sharon Rowlett and Terry Rowlett, the creamery was born out of a crossroads many small dairies face: the rising cost of operation versus a milk check that couldn’t cover expenses. Instead of walking away from the family’s dairy legacy, Sharon and Terry chose to innovate. In 2019, they opened the doors to their creamery, transforming raw milk from their Holstein and Jersey cows into cheese.
Sharon, a former elementary school teacher, handles the ice cream production, while Terry, a lifelong farmer, manages cheese and butter. “We work pretty well together,” Sharon laughs. “It’s a true family business.” Together, they’ve grown the business steadily, shifting their focus early on from cheese to ice cream, which quickly became their best-selling and most in-demand product.
Today, Rowlett’s Milkhouse Creamery travels to six farmers markets, numerous community events, and serves a broad customer base reaching from Louisville to Cincinnati and as far as Lexington and Frankfort. With two mobile trailers—one equipped for grilling sandwiches and serving milkshakes, the other stocked with ice cream pints, cups, ice cream sandwiches, cheese, and butter—they bring their farm-fresh products directly to the people. “We’ve got customers who drive hours just for our ice cream,” says Sharon.
But the journey from dairy farm to creamery wasn’t one they took alone.
“When I think back to how we got started—with so little business knowledge—just a kitchen table and a conversation, KCARD helped us turn a dream into a reality,” Sharon reflects. “They helped us write our business plan, design the building, and understand what it would take. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for that first meeting.”
KCARD played an instrumental role in guiding Rowlett’s Milkhouse Creamery from concept to operation. From the initial business planning and survey of the area to see what products it could support to ongoing business analysis, marketing trainings, and grant facilitation, KCARD’s expertise has helped the Rowletts adapt and grow.
“They gave us encouragement—but also reality checks when we needed them,” Sharon explains. “And even now, years later, I’m not afraid to call KCARD to ask for advice or review something. They always call you back. You’re real people to them. Your concerns matter—and they care.”
As they begin their sixth year in business, the Rowletts continue to stay grounded in their mission: to offer simple, wholesome, affordable products to Kentucky families. “We want people to know they can come to our front door and feel welcome. Ice cream should be something every family can enjoy—especially in tough times.”
If you’re ever near Campbellsburg, swing by for a scoop (or three) and taste the heart of Kentucky dairy—crafted with care, by family, for families.