Ice cream shop reopens under new ownership

By James Windell

If you’ve lamented the closing of Sherman’s Dairy Bar, a South Haven summer ice cream shop for the past 66 years, take heart.
Sherman’s Dairy Bar, which closed last October, is now reopened under a new owner as Sherman’s of South Haven.
According to Mike Schimanski, the new owner, nothing will change – at least not immediately. While the shop will be rebranded as Sherman’s of South Haven, they will serve the same brand of ice cream, and they will even have many of the same employees. Coming back as manager will be Brian Kabban, along with other staff members. Schimanski says they will employ more than 45 people as the tourist season peaks this summer.
Schimanski says he was attracted to the business when it became available because Sherman’s was so “iconic.” “We want to continue the tradition of serving the community quality ice cream,” Schimanski says. He also says that he wants to maintain the fun atmosphere of Sherman’s.
Schimanski, who has a background in hospitality and restaurants, owns Oink’s Dutch Treat ice cream and yogurt shop in New Buffalo. He says that his goal is to improve the operation and at the same time maintain the quality.
The ice cream shop, located at 1601 Phoenix Street, which was previously was known for its many flavors of ice cream, will also serve an enticing variety of flavors.
Sherman’s of South Haven will be open seven days a week from noon until 9:00 pm. However, as the summer season begins, the shop will be open longer hours.