Long-Time Family-Run Bradley Ice Cream Shop Changes Hands

For almost one hundred years, Spencer's has occupied space along Main St. in Bradley.  The family-run business has been churning out homemade ice cream since 1933.

Growing up as a kid living first in Milford, and then Orono, Spencer's Ice Cream was legendary. I remember many a summer day spent eating their homemade ice cream as a cool treat.

In adulthood, it's been such a pleasure to share that history and Spencer's Ice Cream with my own kids.

The history of Spencer's has been ingrained in the Bradley community since the early 1930s, when it opened first as a general store, and then a meat market.

Since then, I've seen it shift to a convenience store and pizza joint, until recently, when they seemed to transition over to straight-up ice cream sales.

Get our free mobile app

In the last few years, one of the younger generations of Watkins, Jack, has been at the helm of the business, making several updates and improvements to the Bradley facility, and even opening up a hub in downtown Old Town.

Read More: Spencer's Opens Ice Cream Hub In Old Town

In 2022, Watkins put the business up for sale.

The decision to sell the business was not an easy one for Watkin's to make, as Jack's mom Staci Lynn said, it was time for the family to regroup after some recent losses.

"... as many are aware, the ice cream trail has been bittersweet for Jack. The family biz that Jack built saw the sudden unexpected passing of several family members - 3 funerals in a week are a lot to process, followed by another just a short time later. As a young person priorities will change & not often is something meant forever. Spencer's Ice Cream is as strong as it ever was & thanks to the community, definitely stronger than ever. Of course, the unexpected circumstances of 2021 may have accelerated his decision- but it's time. As Spencer's has been completely refreshed inside & out (wholesale and events and fundraisers, added too) the only thing this 1933 icon needs is someone willing & able to take the ice cream baton & continue. Just like Jack did in 2018."

Read More: Iconic, Improved Spencer's Ice Cream Location For Sale in Bradley

After a few years of looking for the right fit, it looks like the Watkins family may have finally found it.

According to Spencer's Ice Cream's Facebook Page, the old owners expect the new owners to introduce themselves very soon, and to announce when they will open for the new season.

The family says they are very grateful to have been able to be such a part of the community for so many decades.

Get our free mobile app

"From the rest of the family, thank you for allowing us to take part in a 90-year-old ice cream tradition. The experience has been amazing & a lot of hard work. We're grateful for the support over the years from the community. While we'll miss the day-to-day we're looking forward to projects that have been on the back burner for a while now."

We eagerly look forward to learning more about what's to come for Spencer's Ice Cream and when they announce an opening date, we will certainly pass it along!