Move over cups of foam from Starbucks, there are new creamy pup treats in town. Linda Smith recently opened Milwaukee’s first dog ice cream bar and bakery called Salty Paws, 121 N. Jefferson St.
"I'm a girl on a mission to pet all the dogs," says Smith. "I want to create a place for people and their dogs to come together for a fun, interactive experience."
A grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m.
Salty Paws serves canine-cordial ice cream made from lactose-free whole milk or goat milk, gelatin and natural flavors like banana cream, blueberry, carb (dog “chocolate”), cheese, bacon, vanilla, peanut butter, pumpkin watermelon, strawberry and birthday cake.
"The simple ingredient panel makes it easier for dogs to digest,” says Smith.
The ice cream is served in a dog bowl, waffle bowl, cone or to-go bowl.
Salty Paws also houses a pup-approved bakery stocked with cookies, cakes, whoopie pies, cannoli, donuts and more. Toys, collars, leashes and bandanas along with other retail items are available on-site as well as a self-serve dog wash where people can reserve a time slot to give their dog a bath and blow dry.
“Each dog wash ends with a treat for the dog,” says Smith.
Salty Paws has designated space to host pup birthday parties, breed meetings, ice cream socials, yappy hours and more.
"Birthday parties can be hosted during business hours or a private party after hours and we will even help decorate," says Smith.
Salty Paws is a franchise headquarted in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It was started in 2018 by Suzanne Tretowicz.
Smith says her one-woman business venture was inspired by her 2-year-old French Bulldog, Coconut.
“My dog Coconut is the reason I do almost everything! She is super social and loves to go everywhere with me to meet people and dogs,” says Smith. "We can't wait to meet all the dogs and their humans."
Salty Paws is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
