Sweet Peaks drops plans for manufacturing facility
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 11 months AGO
An artist rendering shows plans by Sweet Peaks Ice Cream for a manufacturing facility and retail shop on U.S. Highway 93.
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | August 5, 2020 1:00 AM
The owners of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream have dropped plans to construct a manufacturing facility and retail store on U.S. Highway 93 in Whitefish.
Sweet Peaks had planned the facility for the former Dos Amigos restaurant and Best Bet Casino, but recently pulled their application for the project with the City of Whitefish.
Marissa Keenan, owner of Sweet Peaks, said the scope of the project was very expansive and financial deadlines just did not line up to make the project viable at this point.
“The uncertainty facing so many of us in hospitality due to COVID-19, caused us to pause and reorganize our long-term and short-term expansion goals,” she told the Pilot.
Sweet Peaks had extensive plans to remodel the building and facade, providing indoor and outdoor seating for ice cream patrons, along with room for manufacturing. The plan received a positive recommendation from the Planning Board in June.
“We are sad to have to pass on the opportunity on this amazing property,” Keenan said. “However, there will be other options for Sweet Peaks that fit our needs and will keep us in the community.”
The popular ice cream business was founded in 2010 by Keenan and Sam Dauenhauer beginning with a shop in downtown Whitefish.
Sweet Peaks shops are now also located in Kalispell, Missoula, Bozeman, and Spokane, Washington, along with seasonal locations.
ARTICLES BY HEIDI DESCH
Whitefish City Council set to approve draft budget
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to approve a $63.4 million preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027.
Whitefish considers annexation for land on south entrance
Whitefish City Council on Monday will decide whether to annex about 18 acres of land on the south entrance of the city.
Senior Spotlight: Glacier High School student looks to use science to help others
Knowing she wanted to help others, there was a time when Anitha Ravipati considered pursuing a career as a medical doctor. But applying her science acumen during an internship last summer opened the possibility of assisting through research.