Iconic Dairy Queen rival closing after 31 years, no bankruptcy | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

A few decades ago, every community had its own charming local places that had been there seemingly forever. In Swampscott, Mass., where I grew up, it was Tony Lena’s pizza, a small local chain.

The pizza itself wasn’t that memorable, but Tony Lena’s sold meatball sandwiches at $1 per meatball. My memory has the meatballs as being sized somewhere between a baseball and a softball.

That’s probably not fully accurate, but the greater Swampscott area was full of local places — everything from sandwiches to full-blown restaurants and local ice cream stores.

The town did not allow fast food, so while we had (and still have) a Dunkin’ (Donuts), you had to cross the line into Salem to go to KFC, McDonald’s, or Wendy’s.

It was perhaps something taken for granted decades ago, before national chains became dominant. There were a lot of local places and more than a few special ones.

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Most of those local places are gone now. Tony Lena’s may still have a location or two left, but local ice cream and doughnut places — something that used to be common and very popular — have mostly gone away.

You can blame rising rents, chains, and the general creeping sameness that has swept across the country. Local and family-owned places have simply become less common, and when we lose one, it’s a national tragedy.

Water ice is an alternative to ice cream.

Image source&colon; Pixabay

Beloved frozen treat shop closing down

Many markets offer a frozen treat that serves as an alternative to ice cream. Parts of New York offer Italian ice, while the midwest has custard, and select communities in the U.S. offer shaved ice.

In Austin, Texas, for over 30 years, the chief ice cream alternative is a take on Italian ice made famous by Jim-Jim’s Water Ice, a family-owned local staple. The family imported the idea from another legendary city.

“Water-Ice a.k.a. Italian Water-Ice or Italian Ice is a legendary summertime treat in Philadelphia. It is a water-based product made with real fruit blended in fine ice to form a soft, velvety smooth texture. It contains no fat, no cholesterol and is the ideal ice cream alternative for those who are lactose intolerant,” it shares on its website.

This isn’t ice flavored with sugary syrup. It’s a much more natural product.

“Preparation of water-ice begins with real fruit or fruit puree mixed with water, sugar and other ingredients which undergoes a ‘quick-freezing’ process that generations of Philadelphians have come to expect,” it added.

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The chain has operated for 31 years, but its final days are coming soon.

“After 31 years — Jim has made the decision to retire this year. He is looking forward to traveling and spending more time with family. Sadly, we are announcing that we are closing Jim-Jim’s permanently,” the family shared on its webpage.

Jim-Jim’s shares a bittersweet goodbye

Jim Moy literally brought water-ice to Texas after living in Philadelphia, where the frozen treat is common, and learning it did not exist in the Lone Star State. His decision to close down his iconic store was not made easily.

“Our family would like to THANK YOU ALL for the love and support you have given Jim-Jim’s over the years. We are beyond grateful to each and everyone of you. Setting up our carts and serving Jim-Jim’s at the Farmers Market, Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool are the wonderful summer memories that will forever stay in our hearts,” the family posted on Facebook.

They also acknowledged just how many families they have impacted over the years.

“To the countless families and customers who have since became our life long friends, enjoying Jim-Jim’s since you were a kid and now bringing your own children and grandchildren to Jim-Jim’s — You made all the sweat and hard work of what we do worth it and we will be forever grateful for the gift of friendship,” they added.

And while all its mobile efforts and catering dates have already ended, the company will keep its shop open until Sept. 6.

Fans of the brand are crushed by the decision.

“Aye! This is sooo bitter sweet. Jim-Jim’s was one of my first jobs! I have introduced my kids to this establishment. Great job Jim on all these years and I’m glad you will be enjoying life as you should,” Yvette Rodriguez posted.

Most people who responded were sad to see the store close, but happy for its owner.

“Sad to hear of the closing but congrats on a job well done and enjoy this new part of life with family and friends,” wrote Tammara Brown.

Kirk Driver summed up the overall sentiment.

“Congratulations! Hope to see you guys before you close. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement,” he posted.