The Wells County Chamber of Commerce, along with Ambassadors and Board Members, recently joined in celebration of Fast Eddie’s Coneys & Cones located in the heart of downtown Bluffton at 135 West Market Street. This charming new spot brings retro flair and community spirit to the area, offering classic ice cream treats, Coney dogs, and a step back in time with its 1950s-inspired décor—all rooted in a heartwarming story of nostalgia, community, and a dream that took an unexpected but welcome turn.
For over three decades, Eddie Ferguson was immersed in the car show scene—DJing events, showcasing classic cars, and fostering a deep appreciation for automotive history. Inspired by the iconic scenes of American Graffiti, he dreamed of owning a drive-in diner where car culture and community could collide. Though that dream didn’t initially pan out, a chance encounter during the holiday season with a friend at a local mortgage company led him down an entirely new path.
While picking up some wrapped Christmas gifts, he struck up a casual conversation with Angie Topp, the former owner of Toppings, about the ice cream business. That’s when he found out it might be for sale—and something just clicked. Barely ten steps out the door, he turned around and asked, “What are you asking for it?” Just days later, Eddie was at the credit union, taking his first steps toward becoming the new owner. His wife was surprised—after all, his schedule was already jam-packed with over 60 car shows a year. But Eddie was ready for a fresh chapter. He began the bittersweet process of stepping away from long-time car show commitments and dove headfirst into the world of scoops and sandwiches.
Though he’d only been inside the shop once before, he remembered the black-and-white checkered floors and retro furnishings—an ideal canvas for his vision of a 1950s-style diner. He kept the beloved ice cream that customers already adored, adding Coney dogs, paninis, soups, and seasonal treats like Peeps-covered sundaes and the “Chubby Bunny” Easter special. The space transformed into a nostalgic escape—complete with vintage décor, classic car memorabilia, and an old-school jukebox that brings smiles to patrons of all ages.
Learning the ropes of the food industry was no small feat. From managing a young staff—some as young as 14—to designing a menu that works within the limits of an old building without a kitchen hood, Eddie approached it all with creativity and optimism. “Think of it like a workout,” he’d tell his team, joking about the sore arms from scooping ice cream.
The community response has been overwhelming. On day one of hiring, 68 applications rolled in—followed by over 30 more online. Word-of-mouth spread quickly, and Fast Eddie’s hasn’t slowed down since its soft opening. Eddie’s wife, Denise, who worked with a CPA for years, now keeps the books. Their son balances multiple jobs but always finds time to help. “You’ve got to learn the business,” Eddie told him. “Because I’m 70, and I won’t be doing this forever.”
Beyond the counter, Eddie’s heart for the community beats just as strong. Through his car club, The Pharaohs, he’s helped fund defibrillators for the police department, purchased pagers for firefighters, and donated Hot Wheels and supplies to Riley Hospital for Children. They’ve even provided a headstone for a local veteran who didn’t have one. It’s that same community spirit that inspired collaborations like “Ice Cream with a Cop,” giving local kids a chance to connect with police and firefighters over a sweet treat.
Inside the shop, a custom mural painted by local artist and car club member Bruce Winters brings the 50’s and 60’s theme to life, featuring a drive-in scene complete with classic cars and even a nod to Betty Boop. More murals are planned for the exterior, continuing the transformation of Fast Eddie’s into a full-blown destination spot.
As Eddie puts it, “It’s not the drive-in I imagined all those years ago—but maybe this is the version I was meant to have.” And maybe he’s right. Because when people walk into Fast Eddie’s Coneys & Cones, they don’t just come for the food—they come for the feeling of stepping back in time, of reconnecting with old friends, and of being part of something built on passion, nostalgia, and community love.
To learn more about Fast Eddie's Coneys & Cones, stop by their location for a sweet treat at 135 W Market Street, or call 260-273-1447 or find them on Facebook. Eddie and Denise Ferguson, owners of Fast Eddie’s Coney’s & Cones, are shown cutting the ribbon along with Chamber of Commerce supporters, family, and friends.