A popular plant-based dessert shop called Moo-Over has launched its new spot in Fort Wayne, Indiana, drawing crowds for its allergy-friendly treats. Founded by Julie Hurd, the business celebrated a grand opening on October 11, 2025, at Covington Plaza to meet growing demand after five successful years in a nearby town.

Grand Opening Draws Sweet Crowds

The event kicked off with excitement as families and dessert lovers lined up at the new address on West Jefferson Boulevard. Local leaders joined for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the shop’s role in boosting the area’s food scene.1 Staff served free samples of creamy ice cream flavors, and the vibe felt like a community party with music and games for kids. This move marks a big step for small businesses in the region, especially as more people seek options for special diets.

Visitors shared stories of trying the treats for the first time, praising the smooth texture that rivals traditional dairy versions. One parent noted how the shop solves a common problem for kids with allergies during family outings. The opening aligns with a surge in plant-based eating trends across Indiana, where sales of such products rose by 15 percent last year.

Julie Hurd’s Journey to Dairy-Free Delights

Julie Hurd started Moo-Over in 2020 after facing her own challenges with lactose intolerance. She wanted to craft desserts that let everyone join in without worry, focusing on natural ingredients from the start. Over the years, her passion turned a small idea into a beloved local favorite, with loyal customers traveling from surrounding areas.2

Hurd’s background in creating inclusive foods stems from personal experience and a love for baking. She experimented in her kitchen to perfect recipes free of common allergens, ensuring no one feels left out at gatherings. This expansion to Fort Wayne lets her scale up production while keeping the personal touch that fans adore. In interviews, she often says her goal is to spark joy through simple pleasures like a scoop of ice cream.

The shop’s growth reflects broader shifts in the dessert market. With more families choosing vegan or gluten-free lifestyles, businesses like this fill a key gap. Hurd plans to hire local staff, creating jobs and supporting the economy in the Summit City.

Standout Menu Items for Every Taste

Moo-Over shines with its creative lineup of plant-based ice creams and baked goods, all made without dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts, or artificial colors. Customers rave about the rich flavors that taste just like the classics but suit restricted diets.3 From sundaes to custom cakes, the options cater to birthdays, date nights, and everyday treats.

Here are some top picks based on visitor favorites:

• Turtle Town Sundae: Layers of caramel swirl ice cream, chocolate fudge, and nuts for a decadent twist.
• Unicorn Explosion Tumbleweed: Colorful, fun scoops with fruity notes and sprinkles that kids love.
• Classic Vanilla Waffle Cone: Freshly made cones paired with smooth, creamy vanilla for a simple joy.
• Seasonal Specials: Rotating flavors like pumpkin spice in fall to keep things fresh and exciting.

Baked items include cookies and brownies that hold up well, perfect for take-home snacking. Reviews highlight how these desserts help solve the challenge of finding safe, tasty options in a world full of limited choices. One recent event tied to a local fair showed how Moo-Over’s treats enhanced community gatherings, much like similar allergy-friendly spots in other Midwest towns.

Location Perks and Operating Hours

The new Fort Wayne site offers more room than the original, allowing for better seating and behind-the-scenes efficiency. Nestled in Covington Plaza, it’s easy to reach for shoppers and commuters, with ample parking and nearby stores.4 This spot boosts foot traffic in the area, similar to how other eateries have thrived there in recent months.

Hurd emphasizes that the larger space improves the guest experience, from quicker service to space for events. The move from Columbia City, just 30 minutes away, keeps the shop connected to its roots while reaching a bigger audience. Early feedback shows high satisfaction, with many calling it a game-changer for Fort Wayne’s dessert lovers.

To help plan your visit, here’s a quick look at the hours:

These times make it flexible for after-school stops or weekend treats, fitting busy schedules.

Building Community One Scoop at a Time

The response to the opening has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media buzzing about the fresh addition to Fort Wayne’s food map.5 Fans from the old location followed over, and new ones discovered the shop through word-of-mouth. This expansion ties into recent local trends, like the rise of health-focused eateries amid Indiana’s growing wellness movement.

Looking ahead, Hurd aims to host workshops on plant-based baking and partner with schools for allergy awareness. The shop’s success story inspires other entrepreneurs facing similar hurdles. As Fort Wayne continues to attract families, spots like Moo-Over add practical value by offering inclusive fun.

Share your thoughts on this new dessert destination in the comments below, and tag friends who need dairy-free options. Your feedback helps spread the word!