Crystal View Café Welcomes the Hollenbeck Family for the 2026 Season
The Crystal View Café, a beloved gathering spot on the shores of Crystal Lake, is excited to welcome Kristine and Kevin Hollenbeck as its new managers for the 2026 season. Owners of The Scoop in Frankfort, the Hollenbecks bring deep roots in northern Michigan’s food and community scene — and a shared commitment to the kind of warm, family-run hospitality that has made the Café a summer tradition for generations.
The Crystal View Café is located at 2175 Pilgrim Highway in Frankfort, next to the Congregational Summer Assembly’s beach. While the beach is private, the restaurant is open now through summer to the public.
Meet the Hollenbecks
Kristine Hollenbeck purchased The Scoop of Frankfort in May 2019 — with a few enthusiastic nudges from her family. What started as a leap of faith has grown into a true multi-generational operation, with three generations regularly on hand and a fourth generation already present in the building. Kristine’s mom handles bookwork and opens in the mornings. Her dad keeps things running. Her kids — including her daughter-in-law, who makes cones — all pitch in. And her grandchildren have grown up in the shop.
The Scoop’s foundation is Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, sourced fresh and offered in a wide rotating selection of flavors. But what sets the shop apart is its creativity and inclusivity: the menu includes keto-friendly options, no-sugar-added ice cream, and vegan and non-dairy choices, so every customer can find something to love. Signature creations like “The Dune Climb” — an oversized flurry packed with a little bit of everything — have become local favorites.
“We get to be in Downtown Frankfort and have a store that is doing something positive for our community — and that is just a really great feeling,” Kristine has said of The Scoop. That same spirit of community and family is exactly what Crystal View Café guests can expect this summer.
What to Expect at the Café in 2026
Guests can look forward to a menu centered on classic beach-day favorites and a serious commitment to ice cream. The 2026 lineup features:
- Moomers Homemade Ice Cream and soft serve cones
- Hand-cut fries, cheeseburgers, and pizza
- Fresh-baked cinnamon rolls every morning
- Candy, snacks, and more
With new menu additions and a focus on ice cream, the Café is ready to deliver another fantastic season of beachside dining.
2026 Hours
Open 7 Days a Week from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone Orders: (231) 399-0002
Gratitude for a Wonderful 2025 Season
Crystal View extends heartfelt thanks to Katie Wind and her family for a memorable 2025 season. A fifth-generation Crystal Lake cottager and longtime Café regular, Katie brought creativity and care to every aspect of the operation — from her fresh grab-and-go menu and beloved gluten-free options to a crowd-pleasing cotton candy machine. Her dedication, warmth, and friendship are deeply appreciated, and her contributions will be felt for seasons to come.
History of the Crystal View
The Crystal View Cafe has become a staple of CSA life in the twenty-first century. It’s a place for families to meet for lunch, for kids to grab ice cream after an intense tennis match, and for the nostalgic to stare out at the view from its vantage point just above Crystal Lake. However, did you know that behind the cafe’s comforting, familiar exterior lies almost a century of history. Click here to read the story!
