The dairy-free dessert market in Fort Wayne is about to get a whole lot sweeter.
Moo-Over, a plant-based ice cream shop known for its allergy-friendly options, is relocating its operations from Columbia City to Fort Wayne.
Julie Hurd opened Moo-Over in 2020, initially choosing Columbia City as a midpoint between several cities. “Strategically, I knew it was too far for a lot of customers from Fort Wayne,” she said. “Our goal was to be a destination.”
Since then, Moo-Over has expanded its reach through wholesale accounts and now needs a larger kitchen to keep up with demand. The new Fort Wayne location, which will be located in Covington Square, will offer the same French dessert boutique charm, including soft colors, lush plants and a menu that is free of gluten, dairy, eggs and peanuts.
Guests can expect all of Moo-Over’s favorites — including handmade ice cream, soft serve and “Tumbleweeds,” the shop’s signature thick milkshakes and blended drinks. Seasonal flavors and a simplified menu are likely.
Hurd, who grew up in Oregon and eventually settled in Indiana, founded Moo-Over out of personal need.
“I loved ice cream, but ice cream didn’t love me back,” she says. Her goal: to make dessert accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
A grand reopening with promotions and surprises is planned to mark the shop’s fifth anniversary. An exact date has not yet been announced.
New Broadway Hotspot
A new cocktail lounge and community venue is set to open this month at 1126 Broadway in the heart of Fort Wayne’s Arts District.
Locally owned and operated, The Abstract will open April 26 and blend hospitality with creativity. The kitchen will be led by Chef Jocelynn O’Steen, who will bring a fresh take to bar fare with a focus on local ingredients. The cocktail program will feature experiential drinks that are both delicious and visually appealing.
Local artist Mae Z Husman is the creative director and will shape the venue’s artistic identity. Husman’s work will be on display along with rotating exhibits from other area artists.
In addition to food and drink, The Abstract will also host a variety of events such as art shows, musical performances, wine tasting and painting nights and a curated lecture series.
“The Abstract was designed to be more than just a place to have a drink,” co-owner Kyle Dager said in a press release. “We want to bring people together through delicious food, drink and community events, support local artists and provide memorable experiences.”
The grand opening on April 26 will include live performances, exclusive giveaways and an immersive atmosphere that debuts at the venue.
Lobster Roll-In
Cousins Maine Lobster, a fast-growing seafood brand known for its wild-caught Maine lobster rolls, is expanding into the city as part of its national franchise growth plan.
Founded in 2012 and widely known for its appearance on “Shark Tank,” Cousins Maine Lobster has grown from one food truck to 85 locations operating in more than 35 states. The company is currently seeking franchise partners in Indiana and has identified Fort Wayne as a key market.
The brand uses a food truck and commissary model, which allows for lower overhead and greater flexibility than traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants.
“As we look to expand into Fort Wayne, we are committed to bringing our unique product and dining experience to more seafood lovers,” said Angela Coppler, director of development.
To introduce itself to the community, the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck will be serving customers today and Thursday. Today from noon to 8 p.m., the food truck will be parked at the West Side Menards, located at 6310 Illinois Road. Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., the food truck will be parked at the Northeast Side Menards, located at 5511 Meijer Avenue.
The company is actively recruiting franchisees in multiple markets including Indianapolis, St. Louis and Des Moines, Iowa. The average food truck does $1.3 million in annual sales, and Cousins Maine Lobster’s goal is to reach 100 by the end of 2025.
New Coffee Shop
Five Lakes Coffee has expanded its footprint in Northeast Indiana with a new store in Columbia. The store officially opened this week and offers the brand’s signature coffee, espresso drinks, teas and baked goods.
The opening in Columbia marks another step in the company’s regional growth. Five Lakes Coffee also announced plans to open a new store in Syracuse this summer.
With the Columbia opening, the Michigan-based coffee chain now has locations in Fort Wayne, Auburn, Kendallville, Angola and Shipshewana. Michigan locations include Sturgis and Kalamazoo.
Shaved Ice
Kona Ice is helping people relax on Tax Day. Its trucks will be offering free shaved ice at locations across the region on Tuesday.
The truck will stop at 110 East Wayne Street from 12 noon to 2 p.m., 2323 Bowser Avenue from 3:30 to 5 p.m., CVS Supercenter at 6279 East State Avenue from 3 to 5 p.m., and 5680 YMCA Park West from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Additionally, the truck will stop at 299 South John Street in Angola from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 523 South Buffalo Street in Warsaw from 3 to 5 p.m.
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