Alexandria's Frozen Custard Shop Secures $50,000 in Historic Restoration Funding

In a move to uplift historic restaurants and sustain their future, the "Backing Small Historic Restaurants program" has awarded grants to four local businesses, including Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Alexandria, VA, and Vault & Cellar in Middletown, VA.

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, situated in a former icehouse with African American historical significance, will use the $50,000 grant for landscape improvements, new paint, murals, and security cameras. Owner Brandon Byrd emphasised that the grant helps maintain the property's historic significance while telling the story of "Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats."

The frozen custard shop, named one of the top 40 ice cream shops in the U.S. in 2022 by Thrillist, is located at 200 Commerce Street in Old Town, Alexandria.

Vault & Cellar, an Appalachian restaurant located in a historic 1890 building, also received a grant. Chef Kari Rushing plans to use the funds for restoring the building, constructing a new front porch, upgrading the patio seating area, and painting a wildflower mural.

The Trolley Stop Restaurant in Ellicott City, MD, is another restaurant chosen for the award. Housed in an 1833 tavern along the historic No. 9 trolley line, the restaurant will use the grant money for repairing the building's lasting damage from area floods. Owner Krista Clark aims to preserve the restaurant's historic charm while ensuring its continued success.

Reynolds Tavern and 1747 Pub in Annapolis, MD, are the final recipients of the grants. Reynolds Tavern, housed in a historic 1747 brick building, will use the grant money for exterior improvements, including repairing the original oyster-shell mortar used between bricks.

Madge Thomas from American Express highlighted the growth of the movement to uplift historic restaurants, stating, "These grants not only help these businesses thrive but also connect generations of people through the power of these historic restaurants."

Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, echoed this sentiment, saying, "These restaurants are more than just eateries; they are community hubs that have witnessed and shaped our nation's history. We are proud to support their continued success."

Since 2020, the "Backing Small Historic Restaurants program" has awarded over $8 million to 180 restaurants across the country. The program aims to not only preserve these historic restaurants but also ensure their sustainability for future generations to enjoy.