As customers pack the Ice Cream Palace for lunch on Friday, it’s like saying goodbye to an old friend.
“We were really shocked,” said longtime customer Joyce Short, Rock Island. “We had no idea.”
The landmark Mexican restaurant is closing for good on December 27. That’s why three generations of the Short family came back for one last lunch.
“You can’t get this food, the taste, anywhere else,” said Kathy Roberts, Moline.
After a solid 50 years in business, owner Red Ponce, 83, is retiring.
It’s really like the end of an era.
Asked about the secret to his success, he gives credit to his loyal diners.
“Nice customers, really,” he said.
Understandably, there’s some emotion with the enchiladas these days. Customers think of the Ice Cream Palace as a second home.
“I hate to see it leave,” said longtime customer Rick Stark, East Moline. “It’s a tradition here in Silvis. It’s going to be missed by all the people.”
Some customers remember the early years when they actually did serve frozen treats at the Ice Cream Palace.
“My kids and my parents loved it,” recalled Judy Young, Port Byron.
When the distributor closed, they kept the name and concentrated on Mexican food. They’ve been serving crowd-pleasing family recipes since 1965.
“It’s a tradition that’s going to be lost,” Stark said.
Joyce and Bill Short even spent their 50th anniversary there and planned a 60th celebration in February.
“We would swear it would be here forever,” Joyce said.
Yet, one taste at a time, it’s becoming a long goodbye for Red Ponce.
He hopes to rent or sell the business to a new owner. There have been a few nibbles so far.
The restaurant at 307 1st Avenue, Silvis, will remain open Tuesdays through Sundays for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
To go orders can be made at: (309) 755-5829.
December 27th will mark its final day.
“At 83, I’m getting a little tired,” he said. “I thought, well, this would be the time. I’m going to have to do it sooner or later.”
Soon, there will be a sweet adios to the Ice Cream Palace in Silvis.