In a year when we’re all yearning for simpler, sweeter, times, Oscar Moon’s milkshake bar will serve up
frozen treats and a nostalgic experience straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

The shake shop/vintage soda fountain/milkshake bar is slated to open in the spring in Stovehouse, the company announced Monday.

With names such as “The Oscar Moose,” “Wake & Shake” and “Chocolate Horsejackery,” you can tell they’re putting a modern spin on the old classics.

“These are definitely gourmet recipes,” said Jonathan Barnette, who dreamed up the venture with Stovehouse partners Steven Jackson and Patti and Danny Yancey. “But they begin with a commitment to old-fashioned shake-making and putting smiles on faces.”

In fact, there are no big machines with over-mixed shakes auto-pouring into cups.

The Oscar Moon’s apron-wearing “soda jerks” begin by hand-dipping, Alabama-made, Blue Bell ice cream. They add a dizzying array of carefully concocted ingredients, then dish out hand-spun shakes, malts, floats and novelties which can be enjoyed belly-up to the bar or anywhere on the 12-acre Stovehouse campus.

Oscar Moon’s will occupy the space, and expand on the offerings, of The Company Store which was built as a temporary campus amenity until all restaurants got up and running, Jackson said.

“We know Huntsville has been asking for a milkshake bar for years,” he said. “So we looked at the campus as a whole and realized it would be a perfect complement to the restaurants, coffeehouse, brewery and bars, event spaces, shopping and nightlife that is ramping up here.”

Oscar Moon’s will also sell classic candies, craft sodas, Stovehouse swag and more.

The physical space was important to the founders as well.

“Since this room is part of an adaptive reuse project, we used reclaimed materials that were part of the Martin Stove building that was built in 1929,” says Danny Yancey. “From the weathered metal ceiling to vintage lighting and decor, it feels like an authentic, but updated, small-town soda fountain.

“Add to that our turquoise counter, cushy yellow bar stools, Chuck Berry on the radio … and it feels like stepping back in time to your happy place.”

Patti Yancey said Oscar Moon’s is another option that Stovehouse’s unique atmospher offers.

“Stovehouse is a family-friendly destination for community and culture, so we’re excited to offer up yet another way to treat yourself,” she said “After all, we turned the hard-working Martin Stove factory into a company that’s now ‘Manufacturing Leisure.’

“And I can’t think of many better ways to relax than slow-sipping the best milkshake in town.”