Historic Afton ice cream shop slated for spring opening

Selma’s Ice Cream Parlour is getting close to serving its first scoop in years.

Owner Becky Nickerson took a major step toward opening the restaurant’s doors March 5 when Afton Planning Commission approved her request for conditional-use permit after a public hearing.

Becky and Paul Nickerson, of Houlton, Wis., closed on Selma’s Ice Cream Parlour in December of last year after the ice cream shop sat vacant since 2009. The shop is recognized as Minnesota’s oldest ice cream parlor.

The 3,000 square-foot property had been on the market since the winter of 2011

Selma's went into foreclosure after former owner Chet Kurtz filed for bankruptcy. It was bought by CorTrust Bank at a sheriff's sale for $746,612.

Since the restaurant already has a conditional-use permit on file from 2007, Nickerson’s application was for an amended permit, which would allow her to perform maintenance and renovations.

Nickerson said she is hoping to replace some external siding, and flood proofing.

Additionally, Nickerson is hoping to install new signage to the building.

Nickerson said she is hoping for an opening date between April 15 and May 1 this spring.

The Nickersons have previously said they are hoping to keep Selma’s the way it always has been – a small-town, old-time ice cream parlor.

The family has even maintained Selma’s same ice cream vendor – Brown’s Ice Cream out of Minneapolis.

However, Nickerson said they will also be working with Schoeps Ice Cream out of Wisconsin as well.

Planning Commissioners joked during last Monday’s meeting that it needed samples in order to make an educated decision.

Once Selma’s Ice Cream Parlour is open, Nickerson said she would like to explore potentially having outdoor food sales during Afton’s community festivals. Nickerson said she is also considering applying for a liquor license for those events.

The permit will next go before Afton City Council for approval.

“I want to see Selma’s open,”?Commissioner Dick Bend said.