Meet Your Neighbor

Kathy Nett

February 04, 2007

Owner
Coffee Dreams and Ice Cream

For nearly anyone starting a new business, that one year mark is a great big deal. Just as Kathy Nett, owner of Coffee Dreams and Ice Cream, which will celebrate its first anniversary Feb. 20.

With 12 months under her belt and nine employees on board, Nett said she's seen several local businesses come and go -- because the first year for any sole proprietor is always the toughest.

Nett and her husband, Dan, have put a lot of sweat equity into drawing customers through their doors. For example, Dan did all the design work and painting of the store's interior.

But perhaps the biggest draw for this west side stop is 27 flavors of soft serve ice cream. And where else in town can you get homemade gelato?

Chocolate peanut butter cup, green caramel apple and strawberry cheesecake are the most popular flavors of the frozen Italian treat that Nett dreams up from scratch in the back kitchen.

But don't forget that this hang-out in the Wyndham Hills subdivision is also a coffee shop, offering trendy cupfuls of mocha and caramel mocha coffee drinks, along with chai tea and frozen frappes.

Food and drink aside, Nett said she wants her business to be focused on people and the community.

A self-professed book fanatic, Nett started a book club that meets the first Wednesday of each month at the coffee shop. Right now, the group is reading Pink Lemonade by Stoughton author Gayle Zinder.

"Meeting people is the best part of the business," she said.

Nett has also opened her store to several artisans who want to display and sell their handmade wares, such as jewelry, birdhouses and cards. At Christmas, she donated proceeds from the sale of a Wisconsin author's book to Horizon Elementary for purchase of library books.

As if running a business weren't enough, Nett is also a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing for the Sun Prairie School District. After school, Nett often returns to the coffee shop to meet up with her kids, Enya, Ross and Willy.

Nett said one of the biggest challenges to having her own business is "just getting people to know you're here."

Located just off Highway 19 behind the 5 & Diner restaurant, Coffee Dreams and Ice Cream recently posted a sign on the highway-side of its building to help raise visibility.

"Our drive thru window is becoming a big hit, especially in the morning for people on their way to work," Nett said. A private conference room has also been a big draw for people looking for a place to hold small-group meetings.

To celebrate the one-year milestone, Nett is kicking off a month-long celebration, starting with an anniversary cake on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Here's what else is happening:

Friday, Feb. 23
Ladies Night Out
6-10 p.m.

Ladies are invited to enjoy make-and-take demonstrations, such as stamping.

Saturday, Feb. 10
Valentines Day Sale

Vendors will set up shop and offer special Valentine's Day gifts for sale. Items will include jewelry and Tastefully Simple food items. Nett said this is a chance for men to stop by and pick out something for their special someone.

Regardless of which day you stop by Coffee Dreams and Ice Cream, you may want to ask about the newest menu item: soft serve pie.

Nett said she was looking for something new and came up with the dessert, which consists of an Oreo cookie or graham cracker crust filled with flavored ice cream. She recommends the Oreo and mint ice cream edition.

Winter hours for Coffee Dreams and Ice Cream:

6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays
8 a.m . - 2 p.m. Saturdays
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sundays

For more information, e-mail Coffee Dreams and Ice Cream or call 834-0263.

Pictured (l to r): Dan, Enya, Willy and Kathy Nett.