Don’t be discouraged by the “minty manure” flavor — the Spotted Cow Ice Cream &Coffee Co. offers some of the tastiest and most original options around.
While working on his master’s in business administration at the University of Oregon, owner Steve Olesen cooked up an idea that, a decade or so later, is finding its niche just north of the Mill Creek city limits in the Thomas Lake Shopping Center. Olesen dreamed up an idea for a unique ice cream shop that provides the service and uniqueness of a mom and pop ice cream store with the atmosphere of a coffee shop.
“I think there’s definitely a push toward people who want something different and unique,” Olesen said.
Along with his wife, Michelle, Olesen opened Spotted Cow one year ago.
The result is a funky, welcoming store where the service is prompt and the ice cream is delicious.
Definitely not your average ice cream shop, Spotted Cow boasts as many as 300 different flavors, with 24 in the case at all times. Not only are the flavors unique, but the textures of the options differ as well — Spotted Cow serves standard ice creams as well as Italian-style, creamy gelato and light sorbets.
Some of the most popular flavors are mango sorbet, coconut gelato and minty manure, a chocolate ice cream with mint flavoring added so that every bite has just the right balance of mint and chocolate.
“We use a much higher cream content than anybody else,” Olesen said.
Olesen said Spotted Cow uses local dairy farmers that boast no added hormones and are able to provide high cream contents necessary for his special menu offerings.
The espresso bar serves up all the Northwest standards, and Olesen said he plans on adding a loose-leaf tea bar to the mix in the near future.
Spotted Cow also serves specialty drinks, many of which contain a blend of ice cream and coffee. With ice cream and coffee being the featured items of the shop, it was only natural for the Olesens, who live in Mill Creek, to combine these offerings.
As if ice cream and coffee aren’t attractive enough options, Spotted Cow also serves up a limited selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.
Olesen, who makes all of the ice cream himself and roasts the coffee in the shop almost daily, said Spotted Cow is the type of shop people can come multiple times a day. Spotted Cow is beginning to see regulars, including people who stop by for coffee in the morning, a quick bite for lunch and return for ice cream in the evening.
Not only does Spotted Cow offer a great selection of treats to taste, but the mural-covered walls, the couches and the children’s play area make it an ideal stop for a family. Another plus for families is the 10:30 a.m. Friday kids readings that Michelle Olesen hosts year-round.
Steve Olesen said it’s not unlikely to see parents bring their children in for a snack while they enjoy a board game or two.
Just as likely is seeing business people or students swing in for a treat while they take advantage of the shop’s wireless Internet.
Spotted Cow also features local musicians on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Part of the dream, when Olesen opened the store, was to build more than one shop. He said funding for a second location is secure and he hopes it will land itself in Mill Creek Town Center sometime soon.
Olesen said he takes pride in the quality of all products offered at Spotted Cow.
“No matter what it is, we try to deliver a high-quality product every time.”
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