Hibbard's is back, serving 'creamy goodness' in 86th year

Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard now open in Lewiston

√ Hibbard’s looks to build upon anniversary season

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

What does it matter that it's 32 degrees outside, and a workday, when Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard is open for the season!

Lewiston’s legendary landmark kicked off its 86^th season at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

“It's always a great day,” senior scoopman Dan Buchner said. “It doesn't matter the weather; everybody will be here. It's usually a pretty good day. We've had it where it snowed, and people still show up.

“It's a big day for the (Hibbard) family – 86 years. They're very proud of the family tradition; and those of us who work here, we are, too.”

Though a curious patron showed up at 10 minutes past 9, the first official paying customer of 2025 was David Salek-Raham of Youngstown. Prior to ordering a medium pistachio cone, Salek-Raham joked about being No. 1.

“Part of it is just for fun, and part of it is so I can torture my wife,” he quipped.

“We are very regular customers at Hibbard’s, all summer; and I have been before the first and the last customer of the year. So why not continue the tradition?” Salek-Raham said.

He pointed out the establishment’s history is unique, and added, “It's custard; it's not ice cream. It is just creamy goodness. What else can I say?”

David Salek-Raham of Youngstown was the first customer served at Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard on Wednesday. He ordered a medium pistachio cone from Dan Buchner.

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Last summer, Buchner said, “A lot of people, when they found out it was the 85th year, they were saying, ‘Well, you know, I'm 82, and I've been coming here since I was a little girl or a little boy.’ A lot of people were telling us how many years they've come here.”

“It was a pretty good season, overall,” he said. “Weather wasn't quite cooperative in April, but it came around – and people come out and enjoy it, whatever the weather.”

Topping last season’s historic anniversary should be a cinch for a hometown business known for putting hot fudge, butterscotch, turtle, or famous cookie pieces on its celebrated scoops.

“Eighty-six years – that's always a celebration,” Buchner said. “We're going to try some new flavors again this year. First one will be out in a couple weeks. It's going to be called ‘Banging Mocha.’ It's going to be a combination of the ‘Big Barenaked Bang,’ which is really popular – that's the (coffee-inspired) collaboration we do with the Barenaked Ladies – and I'm going to do it off a chocolate base.”

Hibbard’s, of course, will continue to daily serve its “core four” custard flavors: chocolate, vanilla, black raspberry and pistachio.

For those averse to custard, Hibbard’s serves popular Perry’s Ice Cream flavors. Customers also can find milkshakes, as well as floats and coolers (made with a choice of Pepsi, 7-Up, root beer, “Boston Cooler” or creamsicle).

In addition, “We're going to toy around, I think, with a couple of different novelty products that will come out probably May-ish.” Buchner said. “Give us time to test them and see how they come out as we're experimenting.”

Another highlight for this year: Buchner said Hibbard’s is starting the season off with no price increases, as a way to support the area. He said prices will remain fixed unless the cost of product rises sharply.

“We're proud to be here for all this time,” Buchner said. “We love serving our community – not just the custard, but making memories for everybody. It's a great thing. A lot of people remember it fondly.”

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley said, “Hibbard’s Original Custard opening for the season is a sweet reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses. As one of the oldest member businesses still in Lewiston, they continue to serve our community with a rich tradition of quality and service, helping to make Lewiston the amazing place it is today.”

Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard’s opening hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at 105 Portage Road, Lewiston.