Popular frozen yogurt hotspot, The Pump House, takes its deliciousness to Grand Haven

The popularity of a Grand Rapids frozen yogurt hotspot prompted its owner to look for the perfect year-round location to open a second store. She found that spot in Grand Haven, directly across the street from the tourist attraction, The Musical Fountain.

Karen Avery opened The Pump House last week at 20 N. Harbor Dr., offering its frozen desserts and some new items -- homemade donuts, old-fashioned fruit phosphates, and a deli -- to lakeshore residents and tourists.

And, while the donuts, phosphates, and deli will be phased in over the summer, The Pump House's 21 delicious flavors of frozen yogurt and over 100 delectable toppings, which include Sandy's Fudge and Daily Delish gourmet granola, are all available. Customers serve themselves, piling yogurt, toppings, and even "bottoms" (think brownies that can be warmed) in bowls, then pay by the ounce.

Patrons delight in the indoor "porch" swings for sitting, putting a unique twist on the vintage beach shack décor. The handcrafted furniture and bar tops made of reclaimed Michigan barn wood create a relaxed atmosphere. A specially designed toppings "island" that looks like an old weathered boat helps eliminate gridlock as customers seek out their favorite goodies.

The shop also has a stash of Archie comic books to peruse and a photo booth that uploads to Facebook and Instagram.

"We wanted to stay open year-round," Avery says. "All the ice cream stores in Grand Haven close in the winter, so we added deli cases and an old-fashioned soda counter, and we'll make from-scratch donuts.

"We're getting a Bastion Blessing, a soda machine that was popular from the 1920s to the 1950s," Avery says. "It's six feet long and is an old fashioned dipping cabinet for ice cream with pull-down handles to make the soda. We'll make our own sodas behind the bar using fresh local fruits like blueberries, and we'll make our own syrups."

Hours: weekdays, noon until after The Musical Fountain show; weekends noon to 11 p.m.; morning hours will be added when the shop starts serving donuts and coffee.

Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of The Pump House