Milwaukee’s summer just picked up a serious sugar rush. Wood'r Ice, a family-run cart from Pat and Christine Flynn, is rolling Philadelphia-style Water Ice into farmers markets and downtown events across the area. Locals can snag an early scoop at DelaSpring in downtown Delafield this Saturday, with a bigger launch party, Wood'r Stock, set for early June in Pewaukee. The menu leans retro, with flavors like Root Beer Big Gulp, Throwback Lemon and a tart mystery flavor called Secret of Ooze, and the recipe stays intentionally simple and vegan-friendly, the couple says.
Philly Born, Wisconsin Perfected
Pat Flynn told OnMilwaukee, “If you know, you know.” After moving from the East Coast, the Flynns set out to recreate the boardwalk-style Water Ice they missed, crafting each batch with real cane sugar and a short, no-fuss ingredient list, according to the outlet. That approach keeps the treats gluten-, dairy- and vegan-friendly while preserving the soft, creamy texture that Philly loyalists look for.
Where To Try It This Weekend
Wood'r Ice will be popping up at farmers markets and community events across southeast Wisconsin this season, according to Wood'r Ice. The Delafield Chamber lists DelaSpring from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Delafield, where the Flynns will give locals that first taste. The brand’s official launch party, Wood'r Stock, is scheduled for June 6 at Pewaukee Kiwanis Village Park (325 Capitol Dr), and guests are encouraged to RSVP online so the family can better plan supply.
Flavors And The 'Secret' Bottom
The debut lineup leans hard into nostalgia with Root Beer Big Gulp, Throwback Lemon, Blue Dude, Wood'r Melon and Tropi-Cool, while rotating specials will bring in Shirley Temple and Orange Creamsicle. OnMilwaukee notes the Flynns’ obsession with a soft, sludgy bottom, the textural finish Philly fans chase, along with their small-batch method that relies on real cane sugar. Keeping everything dairy- and gluten-free also means more people in the family can tap into the nostalgia without having to sit this one out.
Family Operation And A Protected Name
The Flynns describe Wood'r Ice as a family project that took shape after their move from the East Coast, according to Wood'r Ice. A WOOD'R ICE trademark application filed earlier this year lists Christine Mooney-Flynn as the applicant, per Justia. Pat Flynn’s personal site notes he plays guitar in a Van Halen tribute band called Top of the World, and that band is slated to add a live-music thread to the Pewaukee launch night, giving the free event a rock-and-roll flavor for grown-ups and kids alike.
Plan Ahead
The events are free and family-friendly, but fans may want to plan ahead. DelaSpring is a community fair that draws shoppers and families and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Wood'r schedule already lists several farmers markets and festivals for the season. Travel Wisconsin lists DelaSpring as an official downtown Delafield event, and the Wood'r team recommends following their Instagram for pop-up updates. If you cannot make Wood'r Stock on June 6, the family says they will be at area fairs and concert nights throughout the summer.
