Gifford’s Ice Cream will not re-open in Auburn

Gifford’s Ice Cream 910 Minot Ave. in Auburn will not reopen this year, and the building is for sale. Christopher Wheelock/Sun Journal

AUBURN — Speaking of Gifford’s, the company is still dealing with the aftermath of a serious fire in early February, which forced the company to shut down operations for a while. The Buzz has learned the company will not reopen its family stand at 910 Minot Ave. and has put the building up for sale. It’s listed as a free-standing building with 2.56 acres with 62 parking spaces as a “former Gifford’s Ice Cream shop.”

The property is listed for $675,000.

In a news release, the family said the decision not to reopen was made well before the fire at its Skowhegan plant. “It was a very difficult one for our family to make,” said Lindsay Skilling, chief executive officer of Gifford’s. “We loved being in the Auburn area and are so thankful for our time there. We’ve made so many memories, and formed relationships with so many Gifford’s fans in the community. It’s been an honor to serve the people of Auburn.”

The family stand in Farmington will reopen at noon March 31.

Gifford’s said it is partnering with four unnamed entities to temporarily produce the company’s ice cream for retail, food service and partner stand channels, until repairs can be made to the Skowhegan plant, which it said was extensively damaged.

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