Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce Congratulates Rob and Fawn Freeborn on Purchase of Dairy Kream

Manistique, MI — Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce (STC) is proud to congratulate Rob

and Fawn Freeborn on their recent purchase of Dairy Kream, a beloved local business

in Manistique. The Freeborns purchased the business from longtime owners Ted and

Desiree Hetschell, who have played an important role in making Dairy Kream a

cherished community staple.

Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP), Rob and Fawn Freeborn have proudly

called Manistique home for the past twelve years, where they have raised their four

children and actively engaged in the community. When the opportunity arose to purchase Dairy Kream, they saw it as the perfect fit for their family and their future.

“We were drawn to Dairy Kream because it represents everything we value, a joyful,

family-centered business that has become a cherished part of the local community,”

said the Freeborns. “We’re excited to carry on its tradition as a gathering place where

families and friends can come together and create lasting memories.”

The Freeborns expressed deep appreciation for the support they received during the

ownership transition. “We can’t thank Ted and Desiree enough for helping us settle into

our new roles. They were incredibly welcoming and shared their knowledge every step

of the way, making this transition smooth and positive.”

Dairy Kream officially opened for the season under new ownership on March 27.

Despite cold and snowy conditions—and an unexpected point-of-sale system outage

early in the day—the opening was a success, with strong community support. Since

then, the response has exceeded expectations, with returning staff helping ensure a

smooth and steady operation.

The new owners plan to preserve the elements that customers know and love, including

classic menu items like the popular turtle sundae, while also exploring new offerings in

the future. Their vision is to maintain Dairy Kream as a welcoming, family-focused

destination that blends tradition with fun, creative treats.

“We feel honored to carry on the tradition of such a nostalgic place,” the Freeborns

shared. “Seeing the community’s support and the success of opening day has been

incredibly rewarding after months of preparation.”

“On behalf of Schoolcraft Tourism &

Commerce, we are thrilled to congratulate Rob and Fawn on this exciting new chapter,” said Victoria George, Executive Director of STC.

“Dairy Kream is a special part of our community, and it’s wonderful to see it remain in the hands of local owners who are so passionate about preserving its legacy while bringing fresh energy and ideas. We also extend our sincere thanks to Ted and Desiree Hetschell for their years of dedication and contribution to Manistique.”

Visitors to Dairy Kream can continue to enjoy longtime favorites or try something new by

mixing and matching from a variety of flavors and toppings—including creative

combinations like cheesecake soft serve with cherry topping or pineapple and chocolate

sundaes.

Plan Your Visit

Stop by and experience this local favorite for yourself:

Located at: 182 River Street, Manistique, MI 49854

Open daily from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Follow along on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/DairyKream/100064023035903/

Call ahead at: (906) 286-4031

Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce looks forward to supporting the Freeborn family and

celebrating the continued success of Dairy Kream as a cornerstone of the Manistique community.