When Andrew Seibert spent some time working at Custard Cup in the late 90s, little did he know he could own it some day.
The 1999 Danville High School graduate left for the University of Indianapolis planning on a career in social work or working in schools. And today up in Chicagoland, as Operations Manager for Connections for the Homeless in Evanston, that’s exactly the case.
But along the way, he picked up some business experience going out on errands with his dad, Roger Seibert; who owned automotive paint store Omni Kolor from 1988 to 2016; first located on Oak Street, then on Williams kitty-corner from Jocko’s.
But owning a Danville business did not enter his mind; until the recent announcement that Custard Cup was for sale.
AUDIO: It’s been five weeks of being on my mind constantly. And honestly, until the very last minute, I didn’t know that I’d be pushing that button to place a bid. But, I’m certainly happy that I did; and I’m excited for what’s in store.
New owner Andrew Seibert plans to open Custard Cup for its 75th season on March 15, 2024.
Seibert says he’s still working out logistical details, such as where he’s going to live, and that more announcements will be made once the sale is closed. But for now, one thing he wants the Danville area to know, the traditional Custard Cup building is not going anywhere.
AUDIO: We’ll definitely be preserving the iconic structure. That is the Custard Cup to so many of us. I can’t even imagine the Custard Cup being in a different building in Danville. There may be some things that we have to do, but overall the building is in really great shape.
Are there any surprises coming? Well Seibert says that while traveling he has noticed an ice cream flavor that he might like to bring to Custard Cup.
AUDIO: As I’ve traveled west these past couple years, there’s a huckleberry, which is very popular out in the west, specifically in Wyoming and Montana, that I absolutely love. So, if we’re going to try any new flavors, that may be one we’d try to explore.
But for now, the plan is for Custard Cup to open its 75th season; under new ownership, on March 15, 2024.
THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ANDREW SEIBERT
Danville Native Announces Purchase of Iconic Custard Cup
[Danville, Illinois] – On 10/28/2023, The Custard Cup in Danville marked the close of its 74th season as the lights in its iconic sign turned off. But they are not off forever. Danville native and past Cup employee, Andrew Seibert announces his upcoming purchase of The Custard Cup, following his successful bid at last week’s auction for the beloved local dessert spot.
“Ever since I first put on the gold apron 25 years ago, the Cup has always held a special place in my heart,” Seibert said. “When the news broke last month that it was to be sold, the lemon custard-loving kid in me felt called to ensure that it was preserved for generations to come. Never in a million years did I think I would actually have the winning bid!”
With next year marking the long-standing business’ 75th anniversary, Seibert says he’s excited to celebrate that milestone, but his focus is on making sure the business is flourishing all the way to its centennial. “The Custard Cup has always been, and will continue to be, a source of great pride for everyone in the city of Danville and Vermilion County, and for all those, like me, who call it ‘home’ no matter where we roam,” shared Seibert, who currently lives in Chicago.
Seibert, who grew up in Danville and worked at The Custard Cup in high school, knows the importance of local small businesses first-hand. Seibert’s father, Roger Seibert, owned Danville Omni Kolor, an automotive paint store, for 28 years until retiring in 2016. “I spent a lot of time at the store, after school and in the summers. I loved making the daily rounds with him to all the local body shops. Everyone would always ask ‘Is he going to take over someday?’ and we’d both laugh. But he taught me the importance of building genuine relationships with customers and going above and beyond to help them. And that’s something the Cup has done for 74 years, and we will continue to do for many years to come,” Seibert said.
The opening date for the next season will be March 15, 2024. Customers can expect many of the same friendly faces behind the window and all their treasured flavors and treats. “There will be lemon. There will be cold fudge. There will be Green Rivers,” Seibert reassured, naming a few of the most popular menu items.
The sale of the business will be finalized in late-November and more updates will be shared at that time.
