Soft serve, hard goodbyes: Oxford Creamery owners to sell iconic ice cream shop

MATTAPOISETT — Co-owners Liz and Ken Ackerman served up chilled treats to thrilled customers at the Oxford Creamery for 22 years, fulfilling their ice cream dream to run a small restaurant.

However, every cone must come to an end. The Ackermans are now looking to sell the iconic eatery at 98 Country Road for an asking price of $1.5 million.

“I think we just felt it was the right time. We put in some terrific years but we think it’s time for someone new with some fresh energy,” said Liz Ackerman.

The creamery was first established in 1931 as Gulf Hill Ice Cream, a shop frequented by army men searching for a sweet treat on their way to Camp Edwards in Cape Cod.

Almost a century later, it has grown to become a summertime staple for South Coast residents, dishing out ice cream and an assortment of quick dinnertime delicacies such as fresh lobster rolls, clam cakes and burgers.

A seemingly ever-present line out the door greeted customers to the popular destination on most summer nights.

“We have amazing generational customers, people who are bringing in their grandchildren,” said Ackerman. “We feel very lucky in that way.”

She fondly remembers hot summer days spent with “wonderful employees” and the “terrific memories” the community brought them over the past two decades.

“We really feel like stewards of the Oxford Creamery and we’re looking forward to its next chapter as well,” said Ackerman.

The Ackermans will continue their work in the South Coast restaurant business, still operating the Ox Cart Food truck and the West Island Creamery in Fairhaven.

“We’re just very thankful to the community and to our customers and to our employees,” said Ackerman.