Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Baskin-Robbins of Warsaw has decided not to renew its franchise agreement and owner Pat Donkers said the last day of business will be Friday "or when ice cream runs out."
Donkers has been a Warsaw resident for 22 years. She said she and her family purchased the downtown ice cream shop in 1992. Later that same year, Donkers said they were named "Outstanding Turn-Around Business" by Baskin-Robbins. Only two of these awards are given nationally.
"We grew the business as owners," she said of her family. "When we decided not to renew, we sent a small little note to all our Warsaw business neighbors ... We're neighbor friendly."
Donkers smiled as she remembered how all the local businesses on Baskin-Robbins' block helped each other out and visited.
"We don't have any negative feelings," she said of the end of Baskin-Robbins in Warsaw. "This is a good thing."
"It was meant when we first bought it, (for) our children," Donkers said. She said the family business gave her three children the opportunity to have part-time jobs and still participate in school activities. Donkers said when they bought the ice cream shop, they had a 10-year-goal to have their children work there and save money for college.
"Fortunately, we've met our goal in 8-1/2 years," she said. "So, we're happy about it."
All three of her children now attend Purdue University, West Lafayette.
During the last 8-1/2 years of service, Donkers said the business was open 363 days a year. "It's been a fun operation," she said. "Warsaw is a wonderful place."
She also said her staff over the years has been great. "I've always had a really, really, good staff," Donkers said.
Most of her employees have been "young kids and this was (usually) their first job."
She said she hoped Baskin-Robbins was able to "give them customer service and business experience."
Donkers said she leases the building from F.I. Saemann and that Barb Kintzel is the property manager. "They've been really good to work with," Donkers said. "They're good landlords."
Donkers also said they've sponsored Kosciusko Community Soccer League every year since 1992 and donated coupon booklets through Combined Community Service. And, she said, they've donated more than 600 coupon books over the years and more than 5,000 ice cream cones to the community. Each coupon book is valued at $25.
"To put it in a nutshell," she said, "we donate mainly our good will to kids 12 and under." Donkers said they always "request that the coupons be used for rewards or good deeds," such as completing school assignments.
"Warsaw has been good to us," she said. "We've tried to be good community citizens (and) we've made a lot of friends (through) customers too."
Donkers said she was sad to see the business go, but that it was a good thing for the family. "It's been a family business all along," she said.
Anyone interested in purchasing the equipment and fixtures at Baskin-Robbins should contact Donkers at 269-5724, or stop by the store.
