Lou’s soda fountain

Lou’s Soda Fountain is a truly unique establishment, located on the sprawling and whimsical campus of Epic Systems in Verona, Wisconsin. Its address at 1979 Milky Way hints at the larger-than-life, fantastical world that is the Epic campus, a place known for its themed buildings and creative amenities. Lou's Soda Fountain is part of this immersive environment, designed to serve the thousands of employees who work there daily. As such, it is not a traditional ice cream shop open to the general public in the same way as a typical storefront on a city street. This distinction is crucial for anyone planning a visit, as the shop's primary purpose is to provide a delightful amenity for the Epic community.

The concept of Lou’s Soda Fountain is to evoke the nostalgia of a classic, old-fashioned soda fountain, offering a charming escape for those on campus. While this makes it a unique and appealing destination, it's essential for potential visitors to understand its specific operating model. A review from a frustrated guest highlights this very point, stating that the shop is "not open to tour guests" despite being listed as a highlight on visitor pages. This customer's encounter with a reception staff member, whom they named "Arnie," was less than ideal, with the staff member allegedly stating that the shop is "only for our customers and employees." This review serves as a clear warning to those outside the Epic ecosystem: manage your expectations. Lou's Soda Fountain is an exclusive amenity, and its availability to the public is limited to those with specific permissions, such as registered tour guests or business clients. This exclusivity, while potentially disappointing for some, also contributes to its special status for those who can access it. We will clarify its accessibility, its offerings, and why it is a suitable and valued resource for the specific community it serves.

Location and Accessibility

Lou's Soda Fountain is located within the Epic Systems campus at 1979 Milky Way in Verona, WI. This address is not a typical public-facing location; it is part of a secure, private corporate campus. Access to the soda fountain is not granted to the general public. Instead, it is limited to Epic employees and authorized visitors, such as clients, job candidates, and individuals on pre-scheduled campus tours. Epic does offer self-guided tours on weekends and limited weekday hours, but even these tours have specific rules and are not always a guaranteed path to accessing every amenity. A visitor needs to schedule a tour in advance and be a part of a small group to gain entry to the campus. This restriction is the most critical piece of information about Lou's Soda Fountain's location and accessibility. For those who can access the campus, the soda fountain is designed to be a convenient and pleasant spot within the sprawling grounds, but it is not intended to be a drop-in destination for locals looking for a regular ice cream shop. Anyone seeking a sweet treat in Verona would be better served by one of the many other ice cream shops in town.

Services Offered

• Classic Ice Cream and Shakes: Lou's Soda Fountain focuses on traditional offerings, including classic vanilla bean, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. All of these flavors are made in-house, highlighting a commitment to quality for its patrons.

• Nostalgic Soda Fountain Experience: The shop is designed to replicate the feel of a classic soda fountain, providing a fun and retro environment for employees and visitors to enjoy their treats.

• Beverages: In addition to ice cream, the soda fountain offers classic beverages and shakes, providing a variety of options for a quick break or a sweet treat during the workday.

• Dining Amenities: As part of the larger Epic campus, Lou's is one of many food and beverage options available to those with access, serving as a casual dining amenity rather than a standalone restaurant.

Features / Highlights

• Exclusive Access: The most notable feature of Lou's Soda Fountain is its exclusivity. It is a dedicated perk for Epic employees and a special stop for authorized campus visitors, which contributes to its unique appeal and status.

• In-House Ice Cream Production: The fact that all ice cream flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—are made in-house is a significant highlight, emphasizing a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients for its exclusive customer base.

• Nostalgic Atmosphere: The shop's vintage design and theme create a fun, retro environment that stands out from typical corporate cafeteria settings. The name itself is a tribute to the owner's father, who had a pharmacy with a soda fountain, adding a personal and historical touch.

• Part of a Themed Campus: Lou's Soda Fountain is one component of the creatively themed Epic campus. Its integration into this unique environment makes it more than just a place to get ice cream; it is part of a larger, immersive experience.

Contact Information

For those who are authorized to visit the Epic Systems campus, here is the essential contact information for planning a visit. The phone number provided is for the Epic campus main line, as there is no direct public line for Lou's Soda Fountain.

Address: Cassiopeia, 1979 Milky Way, Verona, WI 53593, USA

Phone: (608) 203-5228 (This is the main line for the Epic campus, not a direct line to Lou's Soda Fountain.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lou's Soda Fountain is not a suitable destination for locals seeking a traditional, publicly accessible ice cream shop. Its purpose is entirely different, serving as a dedicated amenity for the employees and authorized guests of Epic Systems. This distinction is crucial for managing expectations and preventing the kind of negative experiences highlighted in a customer review. For Epic employees, however, Lou's Soda Fountain is a perfect fit. It is a convenient, on-campus perk that offers a delicious, in-house-made treat in a fun and nostalgic setting. It provides a welcome break from the workday and contributes to the company's unique and celebrated corporate culture. While it may not be an option for a Verona family looking for a weekend ice cream outing, for those within the Epic ecosystem, it is a treasured and valued part of their daily life on the campus. For locals looking for a publicly accessible ice cream shop in Verona, there are many other excellent options, but Lou's Soda Fountain remains a unique, if exclusive, part of the city’s landscape.

Lou’s soda fountain

Cassiopeia, 1979 Milky Way, Verona, WI 53593, USA