By Brandi Makuski

Carl D’s is reopening on Black Friday.

The south side popcorn and ice cream stand has been closed for several weeks while owner Carl Debolt recovers from knee surgery. But now, the business is gearing up for a busy Black Friday, and the first 50 customers will receive a free small chili, popcorn or ice cream cone.

The city’s newest ice cream stand is also becoming a popular destination for hot food options.

“We’ll have our loaded baked potatoes, chili cheese dogs and soft pretzels throughout the month of the December,” Debolt said.

Debolt added the company’s mascot, Sally the Carl D’s Cow, will be onsite for photo opportunities Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

“But she’s booked in Wisconsin Dells on Saturday,” Debolt said, laughing.

The business will continue to offer its $1 Point Soda Floats on Green Bay Packer game days, featuring either root beer or orange soda, but cause Debolt said, “We enjoy supporting Point Brewery.”

The stand will also open on Christmas Day for a period of five hours during Debolt’s “Cones for a Cause” promotion, which offers peppermint ice cream cones — the only time all year he offers the flavor — in exchange for donations. All money raised is given to the Salvation Army.

“Last year, we raised over $1600, and we’d like to exceed that this year,” he said.

Debolt said the business is also bringing back its Christmas popcorn — a mix of red, green and white popcorn that he said “tastes kind of like cherry Popsicle’s.”

The stand will be open 3 PM to 8 PM Friday through Sunday all winter. Debolt said an outdoor space heater will help keep customers warm.

Carl D’s is located at 1232 Park Street. For more information find the company on Facebook.