Tinley Park’s Dairy Palace captured the spotlight when the movie “Trash Mountain” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The 73-year-old ice cream shop served as a filming location, drawing attention from a new audience. Owner Kevin Hoffmeister enjoyed the experience, saying, “It was a lot of fun” to have the business transformed into a movie set.
The film will have two screenings in the Chicago area during the Chicago International Film Festival. Showings are scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on October 23 at AMC NEWCITY 14 in Lincoln Park and 3 p.m. on October 24 at the Chicago History Museum.
Directed by Kris Rey, “Trash Mountain” stars Caleb Hearon, Zooey Deschanel, Jaboukie Young-White, Kyle Marvin, and Jacki Weaver. The plot follows a Chicago man, portrayed by Hearon, who returns to his hometown in Missouri to deal with his deceased father’s hoarded possessions.
“People were great,” Hoffmeister noted. “I wasn’t expecting a bit of Hollywood attitude, but everyone was cool.”
Filming occurred last October, marking the end of Dairy Palace’s summer season. Hearon treated the entire crew, purchasing ice cream for over a hundred people at the end of the shoot. Hoffmeister appreciated this gesture, recalling, “Everybody got what they wanted, and he picked up the tab for it.”
Although a wide theatrical release date remains unannounced, the film already boasts a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 15 critics. Reflecting on the production, Hoffmeister expressed enjoyment, stating, “Everybody had a good time, I think. We certainly did.”
In the future, Hoffmeister plans to treat all Dairy Palace employees to a screening once the movie is widely released. The shop was one of several potential locations, ultimately chosen for its appeal to the director. It marked the first time a movie had been filmed in Tinley Park, overcoming initial permitting challenges.
The Dairy Palace, located at 16760 Oak Park Ave., offers a chance to indulge in a cold treat with newfound fame. The store operates from 2 to 10 p.m. daily, closing for the winter at October’s end, weather permitting.