Hi Shoppe guests, friends, neighbors, and supporters both near and far,

This isn’t the blog we ever imagined writing, but it comes from the heart. We’re humbly asking for your help to preserve a local treasure that means the world to our team and so many of you in the West Bend community.

Back in January, Yomi took over the former Toucan a beloved frozen custard spot that’s been part of countless family memories over the years. She didn’t just buy a business. She invested in a local iconic landmark. With heart, hope, and a vision for the future, The Shoppe was born. Our name changed, but the mission stayed the same: to keep this place alive as a space for connection, comfort, and community.

Since opening, though, it’s been one challenge after another:

  • A frozen water line just three weeks after opening forced a six-week closure for emergency restoration
  • A full rebrand was needed due to missing digital assets
  • We installed a brand-new A/C unit to keep our kitchen team and guests safe and comfortable
  • Construction on Washington & Main has made it tough for guests to reach us
  • And most recently, a critical retaining wall project has gone off the rails—over budget and months behind schedule

This retaining wall is more than just concrete and stone it’s the foundation of our outdoor patio, our primary seating area. It’s also been a source of heartbreak, delay, and unexpected cost. We’re now facing a $13,000 balance for the wall and an additional $6,000 to install a safety fence to protect our guests. This $19,000 is on top of the thousands that have already been paid to our contractor from when the projected started in May.

We never planned to ask for help, but the encouragement of our guests the same folks who’ve made memories here for decades pushed us to create a space where people could support us if they felt moved to.

You can donate at: https://spot.fund/blgdxc7sc

And if we’re blessed to raise more than we need? Every extra dollar will go to St. Frances Cabrini Parish right here in West Bend. Their kindness and faith have carried Yomi through some dark and difficult days, and we’d love to pay that forward.

If you’ve ever smiled over a scoop of frozen custard on our patio, made a pit stop with the kids after school, or just want to keep this small-town icon alive, we ask that you consider sharing or donating to our fundraiser. No amount is too small every dollar is deeply appreciated.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us. Thank you for standing with us. And thank you for helping us preserve a place that means so much to so many.

– Yomi & The Shoppe Team