As a child, Michael Dix enjoyed the frozen custard his Mom and Dad made at home with a hand crank machine filled with ice from a nearby lake. His love for the frozen treat never faded, and one day while biking down Monroe Street he spotted an old gas station in disrepair. He and his partner John Kuehl developed a business plan, leased the building, and worked day and night to get the store operational. With little money and big dreams, Michael and John realized their dream of owning a business when the Monroe Street Michael's opened on August 22, 1986. It was an instant success because of the business philosophy: Create a high quality product, have great service, and provide an atmosphere where people feel comfortable.