After 45 years in business, Pop’s Custard has decided to close its doors.
The beloved Menomonee Falls custard and quick service restaurant announced its forthcoming closure via Facebook earlier this week. Their last day of operation is scheduled for August 31.
The current owners have cited multiple reasons for the business’s closure, including a “long road to recovery post-COVID, coupled with increases in food and labor costs”. The choice to close was made in order to keep the store’s legacy and home town atmosphere in tact.
There is hope for the future of Pop’s, however.
The owners have also stated that Pop’s is officially for sale. Currently, they have no buyer, but have made it known that they are willing to sell Pop’s in order to keep the traditional shop around to serve its community.
Pop’s was known throughout the area for its low prices, large menu, and traditional atmosphere.
Food service labor costs have increased substantially since 2020.
According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, between 2019 and 2022 the median annual wage in Wisconsin increased by 29.8%.
On a national scale, both food and labor costs for most restaurants rose by about 35% between 2020 and mid-2025. This massive rise is largely due to supply chain problems and rising national inflation.
The price for food products alone has risen substantially as well.
Between 2020 and 2024, the US Department of Agriculture reported that food prices have risen by about 24%. This number has been reflected in rising menu prices as the cost of products rises.
There has also been a significant change between pre and post pandemic sales volumes. A majority of Wisconsin businesses claimed that their sales in the years following 2020 were significantly lower, and saw a decrease in in-person guest traffic.
Changing restaurant cultures have also been unhelpful for small mom and pop style businesses.
Fast food restaurants with drive through window options have become significantly more popular over time. Features like door dash and Uber eats have also discouraged people from visiting in-person and sit down restaurants. Even features like swipe or tap payments have increased service charges for small businesses.
Despite this, there have also been efforts at recovery. As inflation has become more steady, there is a chance that a small business like Pop’s can remain around for years to come if purchased by the right owner.
