After two decades on Kinnickinnic Avenue, Bay View’s longtime sweet spot Babe's Ice Cream is getting a new chapter and a familiar face behind the scenes. The neighborhood parlor will reopen tomorrow, under new owner Michael Ludwig, who redeveloped the building roughly 20 years ago and has now bought the business from longtime operators Christine and Darwing Cruz. Christine is expected to be on site during the transition while the Cruzes step back, and existing staff will stay on under Ludwig's leadership.
New owner vows to keep the shop familiar
Ludwig is not looking to shock anyone’s taste buds with big changes. “Keep running it just the way it is,” he said, explaining to Urban Milwaukee that he chose to buy the shop because he already knew the space and understood its role in the community. The Milwaukee businessman and U.S. Navy veteran, who retired from the reserves last year, said he plans to learn the kitchen work himself and bring family into day-to-day operations.
Menu, history and accessibility
Babe's opened in 2005 and has long scooped Madison-made Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, alongside a rotating lineup of flavors. The selection includes dairy-free and vegan options plus ice cream cakes and sandwiches described on the shop's site. As outlined on the business website, the family-run spot emphasizes allergen-conscious choices and seasonal service. Babe's Ice Cream also lists its address on Kinnickinnic Avenue.
Hours, reopening date and neighborhood presence
The shop will officially reopen tomorrow, with winter hours set for noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and extended hours planned as the weather warms up. The menu will continue to feature floats, shakes and malts, including an extra-thick shake for an additional 50 cents, along with pies, tortes and made-to-order ice cream cakes, according to Urban Milwaukee. Ludwig's family also plans to run the Babe's ice cream truck at summer events like Chill on the Hill.
According to Wanderlog, online listings and neighborhood guides consistently rank Babe's as one of Bay View's reliable dessert stops, with reviewers calling out friendly service and an inclusive menu that keeps regulars coming back. For many of those customers, the sale is landing more like a passing of the torch than a total reinvention.
For Bay View regulars, the transition is expected to mean the same scoops and the same bright storefront, now with a new owner committed to keeping the tradition going. Locals can keep an eye on the shop's social pages for day-to-day menu updates as spring inches closer.
