President-themed milkshake bar in Old Sacramento to close after one year in business

Milk House Shakes, a milkshake bar and cafe known for naming each of its beverages after a former United States president, has closed permanently after just over one year in Old Sacramento.

The 409-square foot bar at 1100 Front St. has been closed since March 16 due to the statewide shelter-in-place order aimed at limiting the coronavirus’ spread. Owner Kelly Boyles posted news of Milk House Shakes’ closure to social media Sunday.

Boyles’ idea of a president-themed milkshake shop won the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s Calling All Dreamers competition in July 2017, equipping her with a start-up package valued at more than $100,000, including a $10,000 grant. Milk House Shakes opened on Feb. 12, 2019 — what would have been Abraham Lincoln’s 210th birthday — with flavors such as the Teddy Roosevelt (coffee-flavored with chocolate-covered espresso beans) and the Jimmy Carter (vanilla ice cream, Reese’s peanut butter cups and peanut butter).

“Even though I am incredibly sad, I also feel super proud and grateful for this tiny 409 sq foot shop which has proved (and is proving yet again!) to be just as much a lesson in faith as it has been in business,” Boyles wrote in her Instagram and Facebook posts. “Thank you, all of you, for making the shop so special! I hope you have enjoyed the shakes/coffee & the tidbits of history as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom called for all California restaurants to switch to takeout-only service on March 16, a day after he told all bars to shut down. The foot traffic on which many businesses in Old Sacramento and the rest of downtown rely has almost entirely disappeared under the governor’s shelter-in-place order.

Boyles announced Milk House Shakes’ permanent closure hours after Biba’s owners announced the iconic midtown Italian restaurant would cease operations May 9. Sutter Street Grill in Folsom and Madison Station Cafe in Carmichael have also closed within the last two weeks.

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 10:51 AM.