Idle Isle Ice Cream Shop Gets the OK

The idea of ice cream on a summer day sold in a park along Little Muskego Lake was irresistible, so city officials Tuesday approved plans for a shop called Island Ice Cream.

The business will operate in a 150-square-foot space in the Idle Isle Park pavilion and will open as soon as necessary upgrades were made.

The upgrades, which included a three-part sink and separate handwashing sink and the plumbing to run them, will cost about $7,000 and will be paid for by the city.

Owner and operator Kristin Formolo said she would start off serving during the lunch hour (approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the dinner hour (4 to 6 p.m.) during the week, and noon to 8 p.m. on the weekend. She hinted she would likely expand the hours and the selection of food offerings as the public demanded.

"I'm still working on the idea of being open very early in the morning to perhaps accommodate fishermen on the lake with coffee and doughnuts," Formolo said.

Alderman Kert Harenda had initial concerns about the city's investment, which would also allow Formolo to open the shop rent free in the first year and not pay utility costs.

However, Formolo and others on the council said there was a considerable amount of investment on her part as well, and that the space has remained vacant without other business interest for nearly 20 years, making this venture a welcome one.