With bright colors and bold flavors La Michoacana Ice Cream, 1903 Coliseum Blvd. W., will give away ice pops to the first 200 customers at their grand opening at noon on Saturday, Feb. 8. 

La Michoacana also has locations in the region in Ligonier and Sturgis, Michigan. 

Their menu features traditional handcrafted Mexican treats like paletas (water- and milk-based ice pops), CoolStix bolis (tube-based), licuados (smoothies), shaved ice, coffee, yogurt, and chicharron nachos. 

One difference is that Mexican ice cream is made with cane sugar, fruit, nuts, and spices. You may also find a few with chili powder, herbs, and chamoy. 

Typically, more of the treats feature naturally grown ingredients. You’ll even find some regional tastes like mamey and guava.  

The ice cream shop will operate in the former Subway shop east of Harris Road by Public Storage and Modern Builders Supply.

Casa closes Parnell Avenue location

Casa Ristorante Italiano took to social media on Monday, Feb. 3, to announce they have closed their Parnell Avenue location at 4111 Parnell Ave. across from Memorial Coliseum.

The post states their locations on Stellhorn Road, Dupont Road, and West Jefferson Boulevard would remain open with some managers and staff moving to those restaurants.

Yummy Bowl opens at Coliseum Shoppes

Yummy Bowl, 543 Coliseum Blvd. E., is open in the Coliseum Shoppes near Half-Price Books. 

The chain has a dozen locations in Indiana and scores more in eight other states. 

They feature build-your-own bowls with Mongolian stir-fry, ramen, sushi, and Korean fried chicken. 

Then there are vegetables and more than a dozen sauces. 

Yummy Bowl is open 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Brooklyn Pints closing operations March 23

Brooklyn Pints Microcreamery, 725 Union St., in the West Central Neighorhood is closing March 23.

Owners announced on social media, “We simply had a priority shift in our life plans.” 

Taking over the space once occupied by West Central Microcreamery, Brooklyn Pints have been around about three years. In 2022, they named Fort Wayne’s favorite ice cream. 

In the post, they celebrated keeping prices low while making high-quality handmade ice cream. They noted, “It doesn’t feel right raising our prices.”

Dirty Dough selling Tiny Little Donuts treats

We told you a few weeks ago that Tiny Little Donuts were available at Sweets on Main. Now they are adding Dirty Dough, 1525 W. Dupont Road, on the northwest side of Fort Wayne to their footprint. 

They’ll open their Airstream trailer at Chapel Ridge when the weather gets warmer. 

Valentine’s Day food, dance options

We already teased a few Valentine’s Day options. Here are a few more:

• Penny Drip, 815 Lafayette St., celebrates early, Thursday, Feb. 13, with a five-course dinner with cocktails and wine from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Strong Energies Dance Studio, 1920 Bluffton Road, hosts a Valentine’s Day Dance Party from 7-10 p.m. The night features Mexican food, dance, music, and prizes. Proceeds benefit mental health programs. For more info or to make reservations, call (260) 417-9637.
• Dae Gae, Korean BBQ, 4910 N. Clinton St., has a Valentine’s special running Feb. 13-16. Two can dine and enjoy a starter, main course, dessert, and drink for $120.

Swap canned good for Skyline Chili Coney dog

Skyline Chili, 4021 Ice Way, has teamed up with The Lighthouse for a monthlong food drive. 

With a canned goods or non-perishable donation, Skyline will offer a coupon for a free Coney. It is the fourth year Skyline has joined forces with the charity. 

There is a limit of one coupon per family per day. Skyline will accept donations through Feb. 28.

News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.