Insider staff
Ballard’s Ice Cream has been a fixture in Concord for the past 36 years, serving up frozen goodness and smiles to the masses every summer.
It is therefore bittersweet to announce that this will be the last go-round for owner Norm Ballard, who is ready to both turn 70 and retire. That means the shop will be sold after this season.
“They’re gonna miss me,” Ballard said of his faithful customers he’s gotten to know so well over the years. “We have history here – we have sweet history.”
But hold on just a second. This is the Insider. We don’t do sob stories here. So what gives?
Well, of course we would never write a pure downer of a story. How would we ever sell papers? Oh yeah, we’re free.
The reason this story is bittersweet and not just bitter is because in honor of Ballard – “Mr. B.” – turning 70, he and his wife, Doris, are throwing a big bash at the ice cream shop on Sunday, and you will be the beneficiaries.
From 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, there will be free cake and ice cream for everyone, while supplies last. Given the die-hard following this place has (plus the awesome power of this fine publication), you’ll want to get there early before everything’s gone.
But just because Ballard is ready to get out of the ice cream business, that doesn’t mean the end of ice cream on Broadway (Concord’s Broadway, that is).
“It has to keep going,” Doris Ballard said of the ice cream business. Both she and Mr. B. would really like to sell to another ice cream business, with hopes that it could keep providing frozen treats for another 36 years – or more.
“We’re hoping someone comes in with energy, with excitement,” Doris said.
Ballard still loves what he does, it’s just not quite as easy as it used to be.
“The cases of soft-serve mix are weighing heavier,” he said.
As for what he plans to do after retirement, well, there will be plenty of time to figure that out.
“I don’t have any hobbies – this is my hobby.”
Asked what he’d miss the most, Ballard said it had to be the kids.
“It’s heart-warming,” he said. “It’s fun to see them grow up.”
One of the reasons for throwing this big bash is to “have time to let our customers know how much we appreciate them,” Doris said.
So show them how much you’ve appreciated those Strawberry Twinkie Delights and Funny Bone Bonazas over the years by stopping by the shop Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.
There will also be music courtesy of the Concord Coachmen, and it will be a 1950s-themed party, so feel free to dress the part.
Just remember: although Ballard’s the ice cream shop will be a fond memory, “We’re not going away,” Mr. B. said with conviction.
