It was very unfortunate that Melba Ice Cream closed after so many years. The closing was a result of several things. 1) Melba was making the private label ice crean for McKenzie's Bakeries 41 locations. McKenzie's owner Donald Entringer decided to switch to Blue Bell Ice Cream when Blue Bell gave them an offer they could not refuse. 2) Melba had expanded at a rapid rate and had debt that was amortized over a short term, The banking industry was in terrible condition at the time with banks closing every week. When Melba tried to refinance over either a longer term or interest only period, the banks said no. As a result, the decision was made to close operations. The location on Franklin Avenue is now a vacant lot, and there are also no more McKenzie Bakeries. What a shame!
Re: “Hey Blake, What ever happened to Melba's Ice Cream Parlor on Franklin Avenue?”
It was very unfortunate that Melba Ice Cream closed after so many years. The closing was a result of several things. 1) Melba was making the private label ice crean for McKenzie's Bakeries 41 locations. McKenzie's owner Donald Entringer decided to switch to Blue Bell Ice Cream when Blue Bell gave them an offer they could not refuse. 2) Melba had expanded at a rapid rate and had debt that was amortized over a short term, The banking industry was in terrible condition at the time with banks closing every week. When Melba tried to refinance over either a longer term or interest only period, the banks said no. As a result, the decision was made to close operations. The location on Franklin Avenue is now a vacant lot, and there are also no more McKenzie Bakeries. What a shame!