The Milkshake Spot, owned by the McNally and Lenau families, has seen major success since their ribbon cutting in May.

Based on their unique style and charisma, many would have thought this project was long years in the making. However, the Milkshake Spot came as a random brainstorm between a group of family friends.

"Kati and I, along with our husbands, were sitting at the dining room table one evening discussing real estate and opportunities in our community,” Co-owner Karen McNally said. “My husband Joe mentioned that the owner of the shop had asked him, ‘Why don't you just buy it from me?’ We looked at each other and said let’s give it a shot.”

The group of four then dove headfirst into what was first called the “Milkshake Yard.” They would first purchase the building which was former home of “Dairy Queen” and “State Street Scoops.” Next, they cleaned up the space by providing maintenance on the interior and giving what McNally called a “face lift” to the exterior. This included adding an additional deck space with artificial grass, lights, and benches for outdoor seating.

“Collaboratively, we have experience in construction, real estate, investing, creative and social marketing, head chef, waitressing, owning and managing businesses, customer service, and good old fashioned hard work ethic.” McNally said. “Along with our desire and vision to raise the bar in offering not only quality ice cream and milkshakes, (we want to give) an experience with a spot for our community and families to enjoy.”

Upon first opening, the Milkshake Yard was an absolute hit. People from all over the community flooded into the small shop on 250 N South State St. It was in fact so busy that McNally said the store ran out of some ingredients a few times.

“The demand we had in the first weeks set us on our heels a bit. We did not expect the overwhelming support of the community. We had to make multiple drives to our suppliers an hour away because we ran out of product. We have found amazing ways to adapt, systemize and become more efficient and speed up the process to better serve our customers.”

The newly re-named “Milkshake Spot,” which was changed due to a copyright by another store, has now continued success with their plethora of exotic concoctions from shakes to malts to sundaes to ice cream. There also have been some fun added items and flavors such as Tennessee toffee ice cream, waffle cone nachos, and Michigan chillers.

With their list of items on their menu, you can also purchase simple items like cones and cups of ice cream from a whole list of over 20 different flavors. The best part is if you can’t pick one, you can purchase a “flight” of six different flavors to try within one bowl.

“Our customers overall have given us amazing feedback and are delighted with our selections,” McNally said. “The kids light up over the endless free sprinkles and the wiser folks love that we have malts, the traditional banana splits and sundaes. Our iconic shakes are a true experience with our over-the-top toppings and flavors.”

As a small business with a close-knit relationship between owners, the McNally’s and Lenau’s have greatly impacted the community through their work so far. They have also given their families a unique opportunity through the shop.

“Although we are not family by birth people often ask us if we are sisters and we do feel like family,” McNally said. “One of the things that excited us the most about this opportunity was that the shop would provide jobs for our own children.”

Feedback from customers so far has given the Milkshake Spot much to look forward to in developing new flavors, incorporate new items, and adjusting their environment.

“We have received some constructive feedback which we take to heart. We have made tweaks and adjustments already. We love to hear from our customers because if there is any way we can better serve our community, we want to do so.”

The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M. and every Saturday and Sunday from 12 P.M. to 9 P.M. For more information on menu items, pricing, hours and more, visit themilkshakespot.com.