Beloved Ridgely café reopens

The Ridgely Ice Cream Parlor reopened on May 1 after a four-month long renovation. 

"We wanted to bring in a new vibe," said Brenda Walls, owner of the business for the past 21 years.  "We put in new counters, fixed some electrical issues, put in a new Coke machine, and we have a local baker now who brings fresh breads and cookies."   

Ridgely Ice Cream Parlor is more than just a café. It is like a second home to the many regulars, most of who missed coming during the months of renovations.

"People were really upset that we were closed," Walls says, "it's been great having a steady flow of people coming back.”

For those new to the parlor should sit for a while and discover conversation starters on every wall. There is a vintage ice cream maker, antique cash register, old time counter stools, and classic advertising. After eating a meal from the wide variety menu, one can browse the gift shop that is also in the building.

The Ridgely Ice Cream Parlor offers sandwiches, wraps, subs, iced coffee, slushies, root beer floats, soups and salads with weekly specials like shrimp salad, tuna and chicken salads.

The “ice cream” in the name is from local beloved dairy Vanderwendes. Parlor manager Randi says Vanderwendes is so good because, "they make their ice cream with real cream. It's very soft.” Randi says opening day brought hugs and tears after being closed for so long, "It was so nice to see everyone. I love working here because it's not just an establishment; it feels like home." 

The Ridgely Ice Cream Parlor is open 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00  pm on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.