A steady stream of loyal customers filtered in on the last Friday in September for final handshakes, hugs and goodbyes.
And for one last pint or two.
Sylwia’s Ice Cream closed its doors for good Sept. 27, five-plus years after owners Brad and Sylwia Mills welcomed their first customers in February 2019.
“Here comes Mama Elaine,” Sylwia said that last day from inside the shop in Entrada Plaza off Del Prado Boulevard N. in northeast Cape Coral . “I remember when she and Lenny first came in. They ordered a banana split.”
Hugs quickly ensued.
And that’s what the Mills will miss the most.
“At first they were customers,” Sylwia said. “Then they became friends. And now they are family. That’s the most heartbreaking part of this.”
The quaint ice cream parlor with a European flair, fancy tea cups and mismatched china became a favorite spot for celebrations.
“There were so many incredible moments,” Sylwia said. “Royal birthday parties, special occasions.”
“It was really special,” Brad added.