Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream In Oakland Is Closing

The last day for the 40-year-old Atwood Street institution is Sunday, April 28.
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PHOTOS BY KRISTY GRAVER

I scream, you scream, Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream is closing!

The Oakland company – started in 1983 by pals Dave Tuttle and Andy Hardie  — will serve its last scoop of hand-churned, small-batch goodness on April 28. 

After a weekend of Internet speculation, a post was made Sunday on Dave & Andy’s social media pages stating that Hardie, who has been the sole proprietor of the Atwood Street shop since the early ‘90s, is retiring.

“We would like to thank our friends, families, past and present employees and most of all our loyal, loving customers,” the statement says. “You are what made 40 years possible. We will cherish all the wonderful memories and friendships that have been made over the years.”

As a local, dessert-loving University of Pittsburgh alumna, the thought of losing this Oakland institution melts my heart. At Dave & Andy’s, they put an M&M at the bottom of the freshly made waffle cone to prevent ice cream from dripping out. It will take about a billion of those little, chocolate candies to fill the void in the neighborhood. 

Sorry, Ben & Jerry, but yinz guys just don’t compare to Dave & Andy.

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Like Fuel and Fuddle, the first Mad Mex and The Original Hot Dog Shop, beloved Oakland eateries that have closed over the past few years, Dave & Andy’s was a frequent stop for me during my four years at Pitt. I experienced so many brain freezes there, it’s a wonder I graduated.

My favorite flavor was Beer & Oreos.

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Even after I moved out of Oakland, I’d visit those businesses to eat and reminisce about my college days. There are new restaurants in the spaces I consider hallowed ground. I’ve visited them in an attempt to connect with the hungry ghosts of my past.

On July 10, 2010, my then-8-month-old daughter Sarah had her first taste of ice cream at Dave & Andy’s. That’s probably why it’s her favorite food.

Hopefully, the scent of waffle cones will linger in the air long after the shop closes for the final time. Once that’s gone, there won’t be much left in Oakland that brings back such fond memories for me.

Categories: PGHeats