BENZONIA — Hill Top Coffee and Ice Cream is highlighting a new seasonal menu featuring a “Dubai chocolate latte” and homemade Shamrock Shakes. Co-Owner Chris Mekas said the business, which originally launched as Hill Top Soda Shoppe, has transitioned into a full-service destination for small-batch ice cream and coffee.
The shop specializes in homemade ice cream sweetened with real sugar instead of corn syrup. Over the past 20 years, the business has expanded its operations to include a drive-thru window and a variety of made-to-order breakfast sandwiches. Although the shop started as a soda shoppe, coffee sales have grown significantly over the last five to 10 years.
Chris said the business focuses on traditional preparation methods for its homemade ice cream. “We do all homemade ice cream, all sweetened with real sugar, not corn sirup,” Chris said. “And we make it all right in our small store here.” The owner noted that avoiding corn syrup was a deliberate choice to provide an “old fashioned type of ice cream flavor and feel.”
To prepare for commercial production, the owners traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C., to attend a specialized ice cream school. Chris said the training was necessary to gain the confidence to build a brand from scratch. During the program, they learned to operate a commercial machine that Chris described as costing “more than two cars put together.”
While the shop has offered coffee since its inception, the owners said demand for the beverage only began to increase significantly within the last decade. “We almost had it since day one, but no one bought coffee 20 years ago,” Chris said. The business eventually incorporated recipes from their other location, Perks of Frankfort, which led to a spike in sales.
The shop has expanded its physical footprint by adding a drive-thru window, which Chris said helped sales “skyrocket,” particularly during the off-season. The business also employs two bakers who prepare all homemade baked goods and cake pops for the store.
The current menu features several items designed for the spring season. “We have a Dubai latte. Dubai chocolate latte we’ve created, with pistachio and chocolate and the little sprinkles of the filo dough on top,” Chris said. Another seasonal staple is the Shamrock Shake, which uses the shop’s homemade vanilla ice cream, creme de menthe flavor, whipped cream and Andes mints.
Beyond frozen treats and coffee, the shop serves breakfast sandwiches that are made to order rather than pre-packaged. “We buy the ingredients separately, we grill it per order and they’re not sitting in a hot box keeping warm and steamy and cruddy,” Chris said. The beverage menu also includes energy drinks using Red Bull or Lotus energy bases, which are marketed as a more health-conscious caffeine option.
Chris said the social aspect of the business is a primary motivator, especially after navigating challenges like a 30-day blizzard earlier this year. He noted that he enjoys “just camaraderie with the community and the locals” and seeing regular customers’ grandchildren grow up over time.
Customers can find more information about the current menu and seasonal specials on the business’s website. The shop also provides updates through social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.