Jarling's Custard Cup has been a staple of the Champaign community since their Kirby Ave. location opened back in 1983. They have some pretty great ice cream custard, after all! Unfortunately -- and to the dismay of Tom Hanks -- the business went up for sale last Spring. We briefly discussed expanding our #brand to encompass this fantastic treat, but the dream was short-lived. Custard Cup was destined for another owner.

Champaign, IL! Jarling’s Custard Cup 4 Sale! Doug and Christy are selling! The recipe alone is worth $$$$$$! Get o… http://t.co/2AKEYHhzBw — Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) March 12, 2015

Well today we're happy to pass on that the Custard Cup will survive thanks to the efforts of an investment group that includes Bruce Weber, Ron Turner, Kurt Kittner, and a few other former Fighting Illini athletes.

Custard Cup is now (kind of) owned by Bruce Weber, Ron Turner, "consortium of local buyers": https://t.co/kgnt8MFmak pic.twitter.com/POLeJcidrQ — Smile Politely (@SmilePolitely) May 1, 2016

Proud to a part of the Jarling's Custard Cup team! The WORLD'S BEST frozen desserts! #jarlingscustardcup pic.twitter.com/YLFoFOE1jh — Ron Turner (@FIUCoachRT) May 1, 2016

Here's a bit from the press release, which you can view in its entirety over at Smile Politely.

[Alpha Custard Cup] is led by Tom Siegel, an experienced entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former University of Illinois two-sport walk-on athlete, first sampled the Custard Cup product in the 1980s. Mr. Siegel remarked, "First of all, Doug and Christy should be congratulated for being the consummate hard-working entrepreneurs. They are very successful and I'm grateful for the opportunity to carry on the fine tradition of Jarling's Custard Cup." Siegel went on to say, "We have an incredible investor group, including names that Illini fans will likely recognize, such as Kurt Kittner (former Illini/NFL football player), Tony Pashos (former Illini/NFL football player), Ron Turner (former Illini head football coach), and Bruce Weber (former Illini head basketball coach)." Additional investors in Alpha include the Sholem family and other individuals.

The best news? The location is set to reopen in about a week! What a time to be alive!