Hibbard's planning to open May 1

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard is anticipating opening for the 2020 season next week.

A tweet sent out Tuesday stated, “Listen up Custard Fans! We will be open next Friday, May 1st! Look out world, we're back! We will have shorter hours than normal for a while and the patio won't be available yet (Social distancing folks! Please be courteous!) We'll be here from 12:00PM to 7:00 PM every day.” A Facebook post said the same thing.

Currently, New York restaurants are limited to takeout or delivery only, under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “PAUSE” executive order. Lewiston eateries have shifted into that mode as staffers try to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.

Hibbard’s is designed for walk-up service, which is essentially the same as takeout or drive-thru. On-site seating will not be allowed.

Undoubtedly, the business will be a popular spot when the red “Open” sign is first turned on – as it has been in past years. A second posting on Wednesday stated, in part, “Please remember social distancing! We will be enforcing this so please help us out and be respectful of others. We don't want to get fined, or worse yet, shut down for … a distancing violation!

“We will be credit/debit only – NO CASH! …

“Our menu will be smaller at first, but we'll have some new tasty treats for you to try!

“Thanks for your continued support Custard Fans! You guys are the greatest fans anywhere!
#custardfans #custardfansarethegreatestfans.”

On Thursday, co-owner Kris Trunzo furthered explained, “Although we are not set up for any type of curbside service, we are going to limit our window service to using only two windows and only two customers 6 feet apart. We plan to use our empty patio as a queue area, which feeds around front to the two windows.”

She added, “Our staff is ready and willing to practice full safety measures to adapt to the present COVID-19 virus. To that end, we will be using a new item called the ‘Cone Buddy,’ which is a patented plastic sleeve/drip tray that goes around the bottom of the cones for extra sanitary dispensing of our custard.”

Hibbard recently told NFP, “We will be introducing many new flavors this year, as well as custard sandwiches, which will be a partnership between Hibbard's Custard and The Village Bake Shoppe. We are planning a few surprises for the season, so please follow our Facebook page at ‘Hibbard’s Original Custard’ for further announcements.”

She elaborated this week.

“We are very excited about two new items on our menu,” Trunzo said. “First, the ‘Custard Club Sandwich,’ which is made with cookies made especially for us by The Village Bake Shoppe, filled with frozen custard then flash frozen. Preliminary tasters say that one bite and you'll be hooked.

“Secondly, we are serving the ‘Hibbard Hurricane,’ which is a culinary delight similar to a Blizzard, Flurry or concrete. It consists of custard packed with candies and syrups, which is blended and overflowing with flavor. You'll have to try it to believe it.

“We are positive that these new items will be a great addition to our already spectacular menu.”

Trunzo said, “We are very excited to get opened and we have many surprises already planned for the summer. With the cooperation of our customers and staff we will strive to maintain a safe and enjoyable season. See you next week!!

Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard is located at 105 Portage Road (corner of Center Street; across from Academy Park), Lewiston.