Everyone at
Framingham State knows about Mad Willie’s (unless you’re new or have been living
under a rock during your years here). Many students indulge at the local ice
cream shop, perhaps when the soft serve in the caf gets old, or you feel like splurging
the couple dollars (with an added on discount for students!) for some specialty
flavors or a sundae from time to time. Making the 3 minute walk across the
street to Mad Willie’s is always the greatest break from stressful papers and
studying for exams. It’s not only a chance to eat some delicious ice cream but
it is also a chance to hang out with your friends in the early
still-summer-like fall and warming spring months.
However, it was just announced on the Mad Willie’s Facebook page today that the owners have sold their beloved ice cream shop to different
owners due to health reasons. The new owners will be taking over on May 8th.
I was not only saddened to hear they were selling their business, but also their
reason for selling. Mr. and Mrs.
Willie are always so positive and cheery when my friends and I go for ice cream
and always greet us with a smile. I hope that their health improves and I’m
sure the new owners will be just as hospitable, but this change still is very
sad in every circumstance.
Furthermore, as I get ready to graduate, this change only
emphasizes the change that I will inevitably be going through in a matter of
weeks. Leaving Framingham State, I will obviously remember the friends I’ve
made here, but also it is the little things that I will remember most, like Mad
Willie’s. It may just be an ice cream shop, but it’s also a place where my
friends and I have spent many spring nights over the years. Hopefully it will
still be up and running for other students to have a place to go with their
friends, because it has certainly made my time here more fun.
I also heard the news today, and I was shocked. Mad Willie's is such a successful ice cream shop and I never thought I'd see the day that the passionate owners let it go. Although it deeply saddens me that they have been forced to sell it due to health issues, they are definitely leaving their legacy proudly. I agree with your point that Mad Willie's is much more than a typical ice cream shop, especially to FSU students. This tiny, almost-always chaotic place has served as a spot that so many of us have made life-long memories in. I can say, with pleasure, that come spring time, my roommates and I go there at least once a week. It has practically become a second home to us all. However, the ice cream isn't the only addicting thing that Mad Willie's provides. I am addicted to the whole atmosphere. I love how cozy it is and how the flavors are joyfully listed on a chalkboard. But most of all, I love the energy that comes from Mr. and Mrs. Willie. I will miss them deeply and will never erase that picture of Mad Willie that sits in the shop from my head: Mr. Willie happily, crazily, enthusiastically holding ice cream cones next to his face.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me very sad! I did not know that they sold it, and I must say the owners made the experience there that much better. I also must agree that Mad Willies made my college experience just a little better (besides, what can't ice cream fix?!). I truly hope that they keep the shop the same and try to maintain the same inviting environment that I love so much. I mean, where else can I get coconut and nerds ice cream with peanut butter, bananas and fresh whipped cream? Weird, I know. But that is what makes Mad Willies so great: It's madness.
ReplyDelete