Cold Spoons Gelato scooped its last cones on a sun-warmed weekend, quietly closing the beloved shop at 5924 W. Vliet Street. Owner Sandy Murphy has also confirmed that Highlands Cafe, located just across the street, will shut its doors at the end of March. The twin closures mark the end of two neighborhood fixtures that have helped anchor the Vliet and 60th Street strip for nearly 20 years.
As first reported by OnMilwaukee, Murphy told fans on Facebook that “we didn’t know yesterday would be our final day,” after the shop sold out in a last-day surge. The outlet notes that Cold Spoons opened in September 2008 and that a “for lease” sign is already posted in the locked storefront, a clear signal that the West Side gelato stop has served its final scoop.
Owner Retiring After 19 Years
Murphy has told customers she is stepping away from the restaurant business after 19 years, and WISN reports that Highlands Cafe is slated to close on Sunday, March 29, the eve of its 19th anniversary. She told the station she is grateful for the community support and is still trying to nudge her landlord to find the right next tenant for the space. Regulars told WISN they will miss the cafe’s breakfasts and Bloody Marys, staples that helped make Highlands a go-to neighborhood hangout.
Production Survives In New Hands
Yahoo News reports that Ultimate Confections has acquired Cold Spoons’ production operations and plans to sell grab-and-go pints and a small selection of flavors at its Wauwatosa shop at 800 N. 68th St. The move means some of Cold Spoons’ recipes could live on even as the original storefront closes, although availability will likely be limited at first, according to the report.
Local Legacy And Next Steps
Highlands Cafe opened in 2007, followed by Cold Spoons in 2008, and together they built a steady crowd of regulars, from early risers grabbing toast to afternoon gelato fans. Neighbors say the Vliet Street stretch will feel noticeably quieter after March, and Murphy told OnMilwaukee she hopes the next tenant will respect and reflect the block’s character. For now, customers can still visit Highlands through March 29 and then keep an eye on Ultimate Confections for Cold Spoons pints once they start hitting the freezer case.
