By Jacob Mathias

A new ice cream shop is nearly set to open as owner Carl Debolt and his crew put the finishing touches on Carl D’s Soft Serve.

Carl D’s is located at 1232 Park St. in Stevens Point, about a block away from Belts’ Soft Serve. The building was home to an upholstery shop for 37 years before Debolt bought it.

“We’re here to complement the area, not compete with Belts’,” said Debolt. “There are five bars in this area right now where you can buy the same cold Budweiser and none of those bars have a line out to the door, out to the curb that I’m aware of. They complement one another and hopefully the soft serves will complement one another too.”

Debolt said that he and many others will drive past Belts’ when they have a long line and decide not to stop. He thinks that he’ll be able to bring in that additional lost business.

Debolt is currently hiring and plans to open at the end of July. His shop will use Appleton-based Lamers milk, he said, which is certified growth hormone free.

“It’s enhanced so the flavor will be different than anything else in Central Wisconsin. It’s very creamy for soft serve,” said Debolt.

In front of the shop is a cow shaped bench named Sally, the mascot of ice cream alley.

Carl D’s has a small kitchen where they will make their homemade flurry mix-ins including brownies, cookies and cranberry goods.

Carl Debolt (right) and his popcorn float in the Steven Point parade. (Contributed photo)

In addition to soft serve, Carl D’s will have 20 flavors of gourmet popcorn, ranging from the traditional flavors like white cheddar and caramel, to more exotic options such as dill pickle, strawberry and root beer.

The shop has four walk-up windows for quick service.

Debolt and crew will be giving out some 5,000 samples of his dill pickle and white cheddar popcorn at the Portage County Fair parade in Amherst on July 18. At the 4th of July parade in Stevens Point they gave out 4,000 samples, running out before the parade ended.

Snow cones are also available in 10 different flavors.

Debolt was formerly a wholesale pet supply salesman and says he is excited to work for himself selling something that makes people happy.

Debolt said he may be open year round, but that could change depending on customer availability

Carl D’s will be open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM.