The Matterhorn Ice Cream & Grill opened its doors in New Glarus in June expecting its first summer to be a learning experience. Four months later, owner Sheri Wichser says the family-run business is pleased with how that first season unfolded and is already changing gears for something new: winter.

That change is significant at 400 Railroad St. Under previous iterations of ownership, the ice cream and grill business at the location closed for the winter. This year, however, Matterhorn intends to stay open, giving the property a year-round presence while adding food options designed for the colder, slower months.

“It was great. It went really fast, actually,” Wichser said of the summer. She said seven girls worked with her and her daughter, Ashley Gilbertson, during the summer. Wichser said many customers said they were thankful the business had reopened and that the family received strong feedback on the food.

The menu also began revealing what customers liked most. Wichser said burgers were popular, wraps gained momentum, and the salmon burger found a following. The family also continued emphasizing local ingredients, including beef from nearby Boley Beef and Poultry and cheese from Silver Lewis Cheese Factory and Decatur Dairy.