Jarling’s Custard Cup has been going through some changes over the last couple of years, seeking new ownership being the chunk of it. This news has just been released that “Custard” Cup will reopen under new ownership on May 7th, as it has been acquired by a local investor group.
But please take a look at who is a part of that investment group: Kurt Kittner, Ron Turner, and most notably — Bruce Weber.
Never forget:
From the press release:
PRESS RELEASE
Jarling’s Custard Cup Acquired
After 33 years, the legendary Champaign Custard Cup business has been acquired by a consortium of local buyers, and will reopen in approximately one week
CHAMPAIGN, IL, May 1, 2016 – A group of investors which includes well-known former University of Illinois athletes and coaches has acquired the iconic Jarling’s Custard Cup frozen dessert business based in Champaign, Illinois. The investment team formed Alpha Custard Cup, LLC (“Alpha”) to purchase the assets of Jarling’s Custard Cup, Inc. (“Jarling’s”) and closed on the acquisition on Sunday, May 1, 2016.
Jarling’s opened for business in 1983, and the legendary company has maintained a loyal following ever since. Custard Cup is known for its flavors of frozen desserts that now include vanilla, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and even orange custard-like frozen treats. The Snowstorm, a super-thick shake, and cold fudge are customer favorites. More than 150 menu items are offered at Custard Cup, including cups & cones, waffle baskets, sundaes, snowstorms, shakes, sodas, floats, drinks, and novelties.
Jarling’s Custard Cup had been owned by Doug and Christy Jarling since its founding. Mrs. Jarling commented, “We brought the highest quality products to Champaign some 33 years ago, and we have enjoyed incredible success, all at the same location with our customers always being the top priority. We went through an exhaustive sale process, and we couldn’t be more delighted with the people we found to carry on the Jarling’s Custard Cup tradition.” Doug, Christy, and their son Dylan Jarling will stay on for a period of time to help transition the operations to the new owners.
Alpha is led by Tom Siegel, an experienced entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former University of Illinois two-sport walk-on athlete, first sampled the Custard Cup product in the 1980s. Mr. Siegel remarked, “First of all, Doug and Christy should be congratulated for being the consummate hard-working entrepreneurs. They are very successful and I’m grateful for the opportunity to carry on the fine tradition of Jarling’s Custard Cup.”
Siegel went on to say, “We have an incredible investor group, including names that Illini fans will likely recognize, such as Kurt Kittner (former Illini/NFL football player), Tony Pashos (former Illini/NFL football player), Ron Turner (former Illini head football coach), and Bruce Weber (former Illini head basketball coach).”
Additional investors in Alpha include the Sholem family and other individuals.
The new investor group will continue to operate as Jarling’s Custard Cup without changes being made to the business’ popular formula and line of products. Immediate openings exist for managers and hourly crew members. If interested, please e-mail [email protected].
Doug Jarling added, “We have poured our heart and soul into the company and I think we found an investor group that the community will embrace.”
This announcement does not pertain to the Jarling’s in Danville, Illinois, which continues under separate ownership.
Jarling’s Custard Cup in Champaign plans to re-open for the season on Saturday, May 7, 2016.
To learn more about Jarling’s Custard Cup, please visit www.jarlings.com.
