MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — When it’s a hot summer day, nothing beats the heat like a day at the beach and a delicious cold treat.
Now, thanks to a North Muskegon family’s new business venture, the ice cream is coming right to you.
If you happen to be on the beach of Muskegon Lake and spot a bright pink and blue boat, then you’re in luck. You found the "Popsicle Pontoon."
This new ice cream boat is owned by the Coffey family.
“When we decided to move on the lake about four years ago, we've just always been wanting a little business of our own, something we can do besides our own jobs and something that the kids can be involved in that they're super excited about," said Amy Coffey.
The family renovated a 1974 pontoon and celebrated its maiden voyage in mid-June.
“We're mainly based in Muskegon. We've got requests to go outside Muskegon, and that's what we're looking into. But mainly the Muskegon Lake, Lake Michigan area is really what our target's going to be," Jeremy Coffey said.
The Popsicle Pontoon carries 15 different varieties of ice cream.
From locally owned Icebox Ice Cream Bars to novelty items like the "Powerpuff Girls" and classics like the strawberry shortcake éclair.
They even have something special for your furry friend.
“We get a lot of requests for the "Choco Taco" which is no longer being made and sold. We’re kind of looking at maybe if we could bring that back with our own version," said Jeremy Coffey.
Not only has this been a great side hustle so far, but it's also been educational for the couple’s two daughters, Lucy and Aubrey.
“We talked about wages and like, do you want to do hourly or commission? And what that looks like for them. You know, if we're really busy, you'll make more on a commission, but if we're not, hourly is a way to go," Amy said.
So far, the business has been a big hit.
“We always look and say, 'Okay, it's getting busy, we got to load up and go.' And we hop in the boat. We do kind of a couple passes up and down that dune to kind of get kids excited," Amy said.
The Popsicle Pontoon is bringing joy to the community with sweet treats for the whole family.
You can catch the Popsicle Pontoon at the Muskegon Boat Life Adelaide Point Boat Show from August 16 through 18.
You can also follow the Popsicle Pontoon on Facebook and Instagram to find out when it will be out and where.
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