I screamed…you screamed…we all screamed when it looked like the end of the ice cream was at hand last spring at the famous Sherman’s Dairy Bar in South Haven, but it looks like there’s a Santa Claus after all and his name is Hudsonville.
Fortunately, the people at Hudsonville Ice Cream are making sure that the hugely popular destination attraction at 1601 Phoenix Street, just off of I-196 in South Haven, will continue to create the magic that has brought them renown for decades.
Word came Friday from CJ Ellens, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hudsonville Ice Cream, that they will produce the trademark tastes for Sherman’s Dairy Bar going forward after proprietors there had said last May that they would no longer manufacture the treats.
Ellens says, “Sherman’s has built a notable reputation for its old-fashioned ice cream, creating flavors that have become a staple part of summer in our region, and we wanted to make sure fans of this brand continue to enjoy their favorites next summer.” She adds, “We understand the importance of maintaining the quality of a historic product people know and love, and that’s why we’re proud to produce Sherman’s Ice Cream next year.”
The tradition that is Sherman’s Dairy Bar dates back to the 1950s when the dairy shifted focus to ice cream products. The dairy itself dates all the way back to 1916.
Sherman’s Dairy Bar was forced by equipment issues last spring to halt production of their popular ice cream flavors, and there had been growing fears that the “must go” stop for tourists and residents alike might actually run dry. Their sizable inventory banks and some additional help from other producers allowed the Dairy Bar to sustain through the summer season.
Fortunately, in the off season, they managed to craft a deal with Hudsonville this month. Sherman’s owner Bob Eisenman, who has been at the helm for the past three decades, says, “Sherman’s has a rich family heritage with a strong local loyalty, much like Hudsonville, so we are happy to partner with them to continue that legacy.” He adds, “Being part of Sherman’s for so many years has been such a meaningful experience for me, and I am retiring with fond memories of the many people who are part of the fabric of Sherman’s and will be moving forward — our employees, our supporters, and people from near and far who make a visit to Sherman’s part of their lives every year.”
While Eisenman is retiring, Hudsonville officials say he will still be a part of operations in some capacity going forward.
