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People camped out to get the first taste of Belts’ soft serve this year.
Belts’ opens with flurry of customers
The Pointer
bhaig870@uwsp.edu
Belts’ Soft Serve opening went off without a hitch on Friday, March 6, to kick off their much-anticipated 2009 season. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students and community members alike braved above-freezing temperatures that brought out sensations of spring, warm weather and an appetite for ice cream.
“I don’t care if it’s negative fifty, I’ll come out here and get my ice cream,” said UW-SP senior Josh Fast.
Patrons set up as many as 15 tents Thursday night in the Belts’ Soft Serve parking lot, with an estimated 40-50 people camping out to be one of the first in line to indulge in the frozen treats as well as to receive one of many free goodies handed out on the first day.
Opening day remained busy for one of the most celebrated ice cream shops in Wisconsin.
“We’re always thankful when people come out to get ice cream in March,” said Belts’ manager Cole Racine.
Racine said that even with the economy in recession, they’re not too worried about this summer’s business.
“We’re a very reasonably priced ice cream shop. You can get ice cream for a family of four for under $12,” said Racine.
Indeed, Belts’ plans to stick to their basics, as many businesses have in the recession. The Stevens Point landmark is proud to say they aren’t changing their prices at all either.
Belts’ is also proud to unveil its new puppy chow flurry this year. The Chex Mix recipe will be homemade with chocolate and peanut butter all mixed into the ice cream.
Interested patrons have until the second Sunday in October to fulfill their ice cream cravings before the store closes its doors for the winter once again.
Belts’ Soft Serve, which was originally opened in 1981 by Don Belt, was recently named the best ice cream joint in town by students during “The Pointer’s” “The Best Of Point” issue.
