Ice cream shop moo-ves in

Lonnie and Jason Fosgate were just in time to fill the demand for frozen treats this summer with their new ice cream shop, the Blue Moo.  

Lonnie, 59, owns several other businesses in the Libby area, including Road Runner RV Repair and Best in the West Carpet Cleaning.

The Blue Moo opened for its first day of business on May 5, while its grand opening took place on Memorial Day. 

With an array of flavors such as Moose Tracks, Rocky Road and Black Cherry, Blue Moo also has healthier options like sugar-free frozen yogurt in flavors  such as vanilla to huckleberry at the walk-up window.

Lonnie’s son, Jason, 31, serves as the Blue Moo business manager. Jason took on the responsibility with excitement and a passion to provide the best ice-cream experience in the area.

“We are shooting to have something for everyone that comes to have a frozen treat,” Jason said. “My dad and I share a theory that if you’re not the best, then why do it?”

The founding of the Blue Moo was based on the family’s mutual love of ice cream. 

The family spent nearly a month traveling to food shows and tasting different products to perfect their ice cream recipes. 

Jason said all of the research came in handy. 

“I haven’t tried everyone’s ice cream, but I dare say we have the best ice cream in Lincoln County,” Jason said. “It is devilishly good.”

The ice cream shop features a variety of enjoyable treats with more than 50 menu items, including: soft serve and hard ice cream, cones, shakes, sundaes, cookies and hot dogs. 

Jason plans to introduce slushies soon. The Fosgates have five used Taylor machines to make their ice cream. Lonnie said the equipment is top of the line. 

Customers and employees often bust Lonnie enjoying Blue Moo ice cream several times a day. Lonnie said he is not familiar with letting someone else run the show, and he is still adjusting to his son calling the shots. 

“He has the energy that I don’t have anymore, and you need a lot of energy to run a business,” Lonnie said. 

With the help of four regular employees and their family members, Jason and Lonnie continue to experiment with new flavors. Jason said the menu will continue to grow as they keep looking for new and exciting ideas. 

“It is kind of a trial by fire,” Jason said. “I never really thought there was much of a science to ice cream, but it really is a learning curve and we are improving.”

Angela Reatz has been working at the Blue Moo for two weeks. She enjoys the ice cream so much that she spends most of her tips on it, she said. 

“I love seeing all the people and it is a really upbeat place,” Reatz said. “The other day someone thanked us for opening because we needed an ice cream shop.”

Lonnie hopes his business will benefit the community with more than just tasty treats; he hopes to create jobs. 

I want to give people a place to work,” Lonnie said. “I hope we can offer that even if it is just to a few people. I want to provide a clean atmosphere and a positive job experience.”

The Fosgates have plans to stay open for business until October; however, Lonnie said as long as customers are buying, he will remain open.

The ice cream shop is located next to Antlers Restaurant on 1006 West Ninth Street. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.