Verkuilens looking forward to big summer

One ice cream shop in Wittenberg is expecting a business boom this summer.

Rick and Karla Verkuilen own and operate Britt’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop in the heart of Wittenberg, at 502 S. Webb St. Britt’s has served as a spot for people in the community to sit and talk with each other.

“You have some locals who come in, grab some food and just sit and talk,” said Rick Verkuilen.

“I love that,” added Karla Verkuilen.

The Verkuilens came up with the idea for the shop in April 2020. Karla Verkuilen mentioned that with the COVID-19 pandemic going on and all of the negative stories within the news, she wanted to open a shop that would bring joy to people. Britt’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop ultimately opened Aug. 1.

“I had to do something positive,” said Karla Verkuilen. “People just need some happiness in their lives. There is so much to make people afraid and sad.”

Growing up in a small town, Karla Verkuilen also mentioned that owning and operating her own shop has always been a dream.

“I always wanted a grocery store,” she said. “I grew up in Hatley, and every little town has their own little grocery store, and that was my first job. You go back to things that you remember early in your life.”

Britt’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop carries more than just sweets. Items like Chicago-style hot dogs, cheese curds and ham roll-ups grace the menu as well.

“We tried Chicago-style hot dogs and it was maybe two weeks that we got it going and it seemed like it was a huge hit,” said Karla Verkuilen. “We are just trying to think of things to serve that people would like.”

The Verkuilens noted that even through the pandemic, business has exceeded their expectations.

“I would say the first eight months are going fabulous,” said Karla Verkuilen. “I don’t think that we have anything to complain about.”

“You get times where it is slow, but you also have times where there are not enough people working to help with all of the customers,” said Rick Verkuilen.

Britt’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop will be open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting at the beginning of May. There are currently three part-time employees.

“If it picks up in the summer, we will add another hour and stay open until 8 p.m.,” said Rick Verkuilen.

As summer starts to pick up and more people come in for ice cream and food, Karla Verkuilen hopes to install more seating outside the store.

“We are thinking about adding an outdoor space and putting some bistro tables out there,” said Karla Verkuilen.

“We will clean up the back alley and put up some bistro tables and lights for customers,” added Rick Verkuilen.

Within the Wittenberg community, the Verkuilens often see many familiar faces. They have experienced some people coming in from farther outside of Wittenberg, though.

“We have had one lady come in from Australia,” said Rick Verkuilen. “She was with a group, and they all came through Wittenberg to look at the murals.”

The Verkuilens hope to get more advertising out in the community by putting new signs on the building as well as putting signs out by the highway.

The Verkuilens share some fond memories with the store, as it used to be a jewelry store. Rick Verkuilen and his sisters used to come in and buy jewelry, he said.

According to Rick Verkuilen, business is expected to rise come summer. This is due in part to the Verkuilens’ interaction with the community.

“We decided to sponsor little league this year,” said Rick Verkuilen. “We have plans scooping ice cream at events with Long Chiropractic Center, Country Fresh Meat and the school district.”

The Verkuilens have mentioned that the public response to the shop has been positive.

“The community has been very supportive,” said Karla Verkuilen.

“People come in before their shifts at their job to get some food, like cheese curds,” added Rick Verkuilen.

According to the Verkuilens, the whole community has supported the business and wants to keep it running strong.

“I want this to be very family friendly,” said Karla Verkuilen. “I am just hoping that we are a bright, sunny spot for Wittenberg.”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com