Owner says shop will offer high-end frozen drinks
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Plans for a new specialty beverage establishment in the heart of Waterford are officially moving forward, based on plans set in motion recently.
The Village Board on April 12 approved a development agreement for Kravings, a business described as offering “premium beverages” in its marketing. The establishment is set to occupy retail space at 202 E. Main St.
Resident Jordan Karweik pitched his plans for Kravings last year, and the proposal has gone through several phases before rounding the bend to this month’s approval process. The core menu item will be a range of high-end milk shakes, with an assortment of flavors and toppings.
As a sweetener, the village is offering Karweik a forgivable loan of up to $75,000 over a five-year term, with several caveats in place. Among them: Kravings needs to operate year-round, at least three days a week, four hours a day, through the end of 2026.
The 13-page agreement also touches on a number of issues, including interior and exterior improvements, landscaping and sidewalk maintenance.
Karweik, who attended the recent board meeting, was asked when he anticipates opening Kravings, which has begun marketing the imminent opening with a promotion of one free shake per month for five winners.
In response, Karweik said, “Hopefully sometime at the beginning of May, or the middle of May.”
Village Administrator Zeke Jackson said a business such as Kravings fits hand-in-glove into the strategy of creating more unique, destination-type establishments within Waterford’s man thoroughfare.
“We want to create a sense of vibrancy in the downtown,” Jackson said.
During his conversation about the development agreement with the board, Jackson also acknowledged talk within the village about the competition Kravings could bring to another longtime sweet shop within Waterford: Uncle Harry’s.
“I think we should embrace competition in this community,” Jackson said. “It’s what capitalism is all about.”
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