WILTON —   A new ice cream shop is expected to open in the former Bradley’s Pizza building at 280 Main Street by Memorial Day.

Ken and Monica Allen of Farmington have purchased the building from Jon Bubier, also of Farmington.  Bubier bought the building last fall with plans to renovate it over the winter and sell or lease it.

The goal is to have a family-oriented shop where families can come in, sit and enjoy an ice cream for just a few dollars, Ken Allen said.

The family appeal of programs at Wilton Free Public Library and Kineowatha Park have drawn the Allens and their two sons, Brett and Blake, to Wilton, Monica said.

With the lake nearby and work on the Western Maine Play Museum progressing, the location of the shop in downtown Wilton was key, he said.

The couple are starting a naming contest for the business on Thursday, April 13. It will run for a week and ends at midnight on April 19. They are looking for some creative suggestions from which they plan to choose the three they like best as winners, he said. Submissions may be added to an ice cream contest Facebook page . 

Contest rules: Three winners –  The name may not be any one of the winners entries, but our 3 favorites will receive a prize.

First prize is a free small hard serve ice cream cone every day for two weeks starting after opening day. 

Second prize is a free small hard serve ice cream cone every day for one week starting after opening day.

Third prize is a free small hard serve ice cream cone every day for 3 days starting after opening day.

Three entries per person are allowed.  The winners’ free ice cream must be redeemed, one per day, within the allotted timeframe.  Ice cream is nontransferable.

With plans to open seven days a week from March through November, the ice cream shop will offer cones and a buffet bar, similar to Subway, from which sundae toppings may be chosen, he said.

The shop will offer indoor seating along with two outside service windows on the front for walk-up customers.  The Allens expect to hire 6-8 employees. 

Allen, an accountant in Farmington who owns the business Tax Resolution Specialists, Inc., purchased the building based on Bubier renovating it. The 38 by 30 square foot space now has new wiring, plumbing, a drop ceiling, new floors and more. 

The Allens plan to serve hard and soft ice cream and are considering a couple vendors for the brand of ice cream, Ken said.  Free cones will be offered on opening day, he said.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

Jon Bubier, left, of Farmington has sold the former Bradley Pizza building to Ken and Monica Allen pictured here with their children, Blake and Brett, in the nearly renovated space at 280 Main Street in Wilton.

Ken and Monica Allen of Farmington have purchased the former Bradley Pizza space at 280 Main Street in Wilton. Renovations are nearly complete for a new family-oriented ice cream shop. The Allens are pictured with their children Brett and Blake.