The Scoop on Hefner’s Frozen Custard

Hefner’s Custard opened its doors in 1995 in Cedarburg, WI. Founder Tom Holubowicz, a product of Milwaukee’s north side, spent his entire adult life working in the frozen custard business. Tom had an immense passion for the joy custard brought to the people he served. He started his custard career at the original Kopp’s Frozen Custard, learning his trade under the one and only Karl Kopp.

Tom later moved to Green Bay, where he continued in the custard business working at local favorite, Storheims Frozen Custard. After years of working for others, Tom decided to open his own restaurant, staying true to his custard roots.

In search of the perfect location, Tom moved back to the Milwaukee area and fell in love with the beautiful community of Cedarburg, WI. It was there he found a custard stand named Tim’s Custard up for sale, and with the help of his parents Ivona and Richard, the legacy of Hefner’s Custard began.

Tom chose the name Hefner’s in honor of his mother Ivona’s maiden name, Haeffner. To make it easier for customers to say and remember, Tom changed the tricky spelling to Hefner’s, and the rest is history.

Over the next two decades, Hefner’s became a cornerstone of the Cedarburg community. While Hefner’s is known for its mouthwatering jumbo burgers, wonderfully creamy custard and inventive flavors, it has also become loved for its community involvement. Tom, an avid dog lover, made a point of supporting animals in every way possible. Over the years, Tom raised thousands of dollars for the Ozaukee County Humane Society and made donations to improve Muttland Meadows Dog Park. The Humane Society has hosted puppy adoption events in the Hefner's parking lot, helping rescued puppies find their forever homes.

Tom had a knack for planning lively community events including corn roasts, band nights, car shows and other creative affairs to bring the community together. Tom’s favorite part of running Hefner’s was handing custard cones to children, always saying their smiles made him “feel like a millionaire.”

After his passing in 2017, Tom’s son and daughter, Joe and Rachel, took over as second generation owners. With love and respect for what their father had built, they’ve made it their mission to continue his good works both in the kitchen and in the community. Joe and Rachel have made a multitude of renovations to ensure the continued integrity of the restaurant, adding new floors, new chairs, a new roof and updated bathrooms.

Hefner’s general manager, Jen Jaeger, has been with Hefner's since the very beginning, when the building was still Tim’s Custard. Jen’s continued efforts have helped shape Hefner’s into the restaurant it has become today.

Hefner’s is proud to be a staple in the Cedarburg community with a delicious menu and loyal customer base. Joe and Rachel look forward to continuing their father's legacy of bringing joy to the Cedarburg community with satisfying jumbo burgers and creamy custard for many years to come.