Thursday, January 26, 2023

An Utterly cool addition is coming to Downtown Wildwood


For the past two summers,
Clipper Dipper has served up cool treats and more, while building a loyal following from its home at the Yankee Clipper Motel in Wildwood Crest.

Last week, the Aydelotte family announced that their operation is moooving to a new, more spacious location in the heart of Downtown Wildwood for the 2023 season - with the business taking on a new identity in the process.


Utterly, “Wildwood’s first cereal-infused ice cream parlor and coffee bar,” is set to take over the spot formerly occupied by 5 Mile Grind and The Wild Scoop at 3411 Pacific Avenue, yet another offseason addition to the block opposite Byrne Plaza.


“We’re so excited to make this our new home,” said owner Danielle Aydelotte. “The time has come for us to move on to bigger and better things, and I couldn’t be happier to bring something unique and different to this area.


“This isn’t going to be your traditional ice cream place. It will be an experience.”


From its fanciful name and colorful logo to its location across from the district’s events hub, Aydelotte explained that Utterly is being crafted to stand out. But one particular aspect of the biz, she believes, will truly set it apart.


“Ice cream-cereal fusion. There’s nothing else like it here, at least not yet,” she explained. “I like to be a leader, to get out in front of the trends. Others tend to follow when you’re successful, but, we’ll be able to say that we were the first in Wildwood.”


Here’s how it will work:

“We’ll start with a flavor of ice cream, then customers choose a flavor of cereal. We’re going to have a big variety of both. We put them into a machine, it’s kind of like a giant urn that twists and blends the two together. Part of the fun is getting to watch it work!


“The end result is a sort of soft serve. There will be so many different options, different ice cream and cereal combos to try out and create the perfect mixture for everyone.”


For the non-adventurous types, or guests just looking for standard ice cream fare, Aydelotte assured that Utterly will offer a full menu of options, “from hard dip scoops to cones and different kinds of sundaes. And we’re working on lots of varieties for our coffee bar, as well.”


Utterly will offer indoor seating (layout and capacity still being worked out), and there are plenty of benches along Pacific Ave and the plaza across the street for those who want to enjoy their treats outdoors. 


Aydelotte has not yet set an opening date, but is hoping to have Utterly up and running sometime in March; hours and days of operation will be limited at first. During the peak summer season, she is aiming to open around 6:30 - 7 am until 1 - 2 pm, take a break and reopen from around 4 pm - 11:30 pm.


“From breakfast hours to afternoons and late nights, we want to be a destination for families to enjoy,” said Aydelotte. We’re a family business, that’s what we’re all about. I work full-time for the county. My biggest supporters are my parents, who come in and run the ship when I’m not there. A lot of friends and family help out and support me to make this work.”


The arrival of Utterly brings the 3400 block of Pacific Ave back to 100 percent occupancy, with all eight commercial units filled. 


Also set to debut this spring are Guppi, relocating from three blocks north, and the brand new Panini Cafe on Pacific. They will round out a diverse row that includes The Cove in Wildwood, Hooked on Books, Blue Homes Real Estate, Maggie’s Boutique and The Yellow Umbrella Gift Shoppe.


“It’s an exciting time! Not just for us opening Utterly, but with all the new businesses and all the entertainment they have over there [at Byrne Plaza],” said Aydelotte. “It’s going to be a fun year and I can’t wait to get started!”


For updates and additional info, be sure to follow Utterly’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.


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