Phase 1 of Kirtland Creamery project OK’d

Beer, wine garden in concept stage

The first phase of a developer’s dream for a new destination in Kirtland appears to be coming true.

Local businessman Tom Christopher recently received final approval from the city planning and zoning commission for his Kirtland Creamery at 9304 Chillicothe Road.

“We added a drive-through window, which was a big issue, because Kirtland hasn’t had one before,” he said, adding that he had a team evaluate more than 20 drive-throughs within a 3-mile radius. “We had a great working session to design a high-safety drive-through window.”

The process is nearly complete to obtain a D5 liquor license to serve adults alcohol-infused ice cream, alongside 16 flavors of hard ice cream and three soft serve. Dairy-free and lactose-free options will be available as well.

A taste test is planned in December to find the “highest quality in butter fat we can buy.”

“Our goal is to offer a great product but at a great price,” Christopher said. “We want the best ice cream in all of Lake County.”

The hope is to start construction in December and have the building completed in February with opening in mid-April. The business would be open through Nov. 1. Hours are anticipated to be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.

Meanwhile, the planning for the next phase is underway.

“We are in the process of getting a full liquor license for the back part of the property for a full-service beer and wine garden in 2020,” he said, emphasizing that plans are “a work in progress.”

He envisions serving signature dishes and terraced seating overlooking the ravine.

In addition, a playground and splash pad are proposed.

No formal plans have been submitted for Phase 2.

In August, the ice cream store received a conditional-use permit to allow outdoor seating and food consumption.

The property, owned by Christopher’s TCE Kirtland Lodge LLC, previously was home to Kirtland Car Company.

A concept for the first phase was presented in March.

SUBMITTED This is the latest rendering of an ice cream store proposed on Route 306 in Kirtland.