Ice cream is one fine way to celebrate a one-year anniversary. The folks at Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, 20920 Katy Fwy., Ste. S, can speak to that.

The Katy store on Friday celebrated its anniversary after opening its doors on July 22 of last year. The store is known for hiring special needs individuals, whom it calls heroes, to serve as ice cream servers.

Friday’s celebration included free ice cream for special needs individuals and proclamations from elected officials. Store owner Roderick Batson said some players from the Houston Rockets and Houston Texans were also expected to make appearances that afternoon.

“The community has really embraced us,” Batson said. “Because of the community, we’ve had the success that we’ve had. It’s not about me and my staff, but really, it’s the individuals in the community who brag about us.”

Batson and his colleagues have grown the business. This year, Howdy Homemade signed deals with both the University of Houston and the Katy Independent School District to provide ice cream at sports events.

Towards that end, Batson said the company would be hiring between 30 and 40 special needs individuals to help meet the growing demand for ice cream. Batson was confident there would be plenty of applicants.

“Once the word gets out, I think there’s more than enough individuals looking for an opportunity,” Batson said.

Batson cited the personalities of the special needs individuals who work at Howdy Homemade. He said their heroes love having the opportunity to work at the store.

“They have a sense of ownership when they come here,” Batson said. “They don’t look at the clock.”

Andrew Hanson, one of the heroes, said he loves working with customers.

“They make us happier than anyone else,” Hanson said.