Custard Time Continues Unusual Nightly Closing Tradition

Although a new summer has begun and a few changes have been made to its menu, Northville's Custard Time ends each night the same way.

It's up to the last Custard Time customer to let everyone know the shop is closing.

Custard Time’s unique way of closing is an eight-year tradition, started by manager Kelly Englert.  This popular ice cream spot first had customers hold a cup to signify they were the last guests of the night. Then two years ago, the process was updated because the cups were too small to see from the road.

“We now have two tall, red signs that we ask the last customer in line to hold once we are closed.  The signs state ‘last customer in line’ and ‘sorry, we’re closed,’ and they are only used when we have a line.  This happens at 10 p.m. in the summer and 9 p.m. during the school year,” Englert said.

This change has made it easier for customers to see that Custard Time is closed because the signs are visible from the parking lot and Seven Mile Road.  It also allows the employees to focus on serving the remaining customers in line without taking time to turn people away.

Englert said, “We have tried other methods for closing, but these techniques weren’t very effective.  We have had some customers sneaking in line or bribing employees to serve them.  This end-of-the-line process is needed in order to treat all of our customers fairly.”

Custard Time continues to receive positive feedback from its customers about this closing process, she said. She said they don't mind being in charge of this task and are rewarded with one free item once they get to the window. 

“We do not like to turn away our loyal customers, so just be sure to be in line before we close.  Maybe you will be the last customer in line to hold the sign and get a free item,” Englert said.

Have you been the last person in line? Tell us in the comments.