Need a reason to step away from your desk, to forget your work or your worries for one blissful frosty-fudgy-swirled moment? The answer may be parked outside the MSU Union.
The MSU Dairy Store has launched a new ice cream trailer on camp
us, bringing some of its most popular flavors closer to employees, students and visitors this summer. What began as a business challenge quickly became an opportunity for entrepreneurship.
“We started planning as soon as they shut down the street in front of the store,” said store manager Aaron Weiner. “We were looking for new, innovative solutions.”
The trailer itself is not new, but its latest home on campus is. After spending the past two years at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center in Novi, the mobile ice cream shop is back in East Lansing to serve up summer favorites.
“We thought, if people don’t want to deal with the construction, we could find a good location on campus and see how it goes,” Weiner said.
Located on the east side of the Union, the trailer offers a convenient way to enjoy a sweet treat. It is currently serving single scoops and mini scoops of six popular flavors, including Spartan Swirl, Beaumont Brownie Bliss, Campfire S’mores, Mint Chip, Chocolate, Vanilla and a dairy-free sorbet option. Milkshakes may be added later this summer.
For employees, the trailer offers more than just ice cream. With outdoor seating nearby, it provides an excuse to take a short break, enjoy some sunshine and reconnect with colleagues during the workday. A 15-minute walk and a scoop of ice cream may be just the mental reset needed before diving back into meetings and emails.
“I came for the ice cream but, honestly, it was nice just to sit outside for a few minutes and take a break,” said Jodie Anderson, a self-described MSU Dairy Store “fan girl” who works nearby and hit up the trailer Tuesday afternoon.
Weiner is also exploring ways to make the space a gathering point for the campus community. Ideas under discussion include outdoor movie nights and even World Cup watch parties.
“We’re definitely trying to look for fun, social opportunities that go well with ice cream,” Weiner said.
The trailer is expected to remain open throughout the summer and currently serves patrons from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
