When Gary Dear opened in July 2011, he had a hard time getting customers through his doors. Five years later, he was planning to close his doors.
But that was before Pokemon Go.
Since the game's app launched on 6 July 2016, ice-cream sales at Mad Hatter's have tripled and Dear is looking to employ new staff and stay open longer to keep up with demand. 
The ice creamery, in Washington State, is located next to a 'Pokestop' - a predetermined location where players can acquire 'pokeballs'. Pokeballs are used to capture Pokemon.
Person playing Pokemon Go near Mad Hatter's Ice Cream. (via KSDK) Source: KSDK
The pokestop has drawn many players to the location, and subsequently several new customers to Mad Hatter's Ice Cream.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect it to end up like this," he said.
Australian ice cream franchise, Gelatissimo told SBS that some of their store locations have placed 'lures' - items used to attract Pokemon to a specific location - in order to attract more customers.
Well known mobile ice cream van Mr Whippy also told SBS they have considered the impact of Pokemon Go on their business but have yet to consciously factor it into strategy. The iconic mobile creameries, which have been off the roads as of late, will relaunch business "in the very near future".
"We absolutely keep an eye on the trends our customers are engaging with and Pokemon is a huge one at the moment, so it is on our radar," said parent company Franchised Foods Company CEO Stan Gordon.
But expect to catch Mr Whippy vans and Pokemon in the same location in the future.
"At this stage we can’t confirm where the first sightings of Mr Whippy will appear, but will say that Aussies should keep an eye – and an ear – out in the very near future. If there happens to be a Pokestop, or even lure modes on in these locations, that’s a bonus."
