COPPERAS COVE, Texas (KWTX) – Waffle Cone in Copperas Cove will be closing its doors permanently after 14 years of business.

Waffle Cone opened in 2010. Owner John Hayes wanted to realize his dream of owning a business. When he saw that there was no ice cream parlor in Copperas Cove, he decided to open Waffle Cone.

Waffle Cone had moved premises from Copperas Cove after Hayes wanted to expand. Hayes briefly opened a second store in Belton but was forced to close after his landlord withdrew his lease.

The store started out selling Blue Bell ice cream but eventually switched to ice cream made in-store. After the Belton location closed, Waffle Cone returned to Blue Bell to make up for the loss at the second location.

The store’s current landlord wants to expand his storage facility business to the Waffle Cone location. The business is part of the same building as the ice cream parlour.

Although Hayes was upset, he said he was ready to move on.

“It’s bittersweet,” Hayes said. “I’m getting old, so I can’t run at my old pace. Therefore, it becomes increasingly difficult to do the job. In general, there is no problem. Now it’s time for me to move on.”

The news of the store’s closure upset long-time customers. They said Hayes always adds a personal touch to his ice cream serving.

“Customers are the most important thing that comes through these doors,” Hayes said.

Copperas Cove resident Kailey Delk has been visiting Waffle Cone for eight years. He said he went to Waffle Cone over the years to get more than just ice cream.

“It’s too bad it’s closing because it’s such a beautiful place,” Delk said. “It’s like home. “It’s like my home.”

Waffle Cone has a vintage ice cream shop atmosphere. In addition, Waffle Cone’s walls were hung with photos of customers who visited the store during the store’s first two years.

Hayes said he will miss the memories customers had at Waffle Cone the most.

“These people are the reason I enjoy my job the most because I have had the opportunity to watch so many of these kids grow up,” Hayes said. “He was six months old. And now he will be 15 years old. And he was in his high chair at that time. That’s what I’ll miss most about this place.”

Waffle Cone’s last day is November 16. The store will serve free ice cream from noon until stocks run out.

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