Ice Creamery Closing for Remodel
Next year, the doors to Knudsen's Restaurant-Ice Creamery will be on the left of its current entrance.
Starting next month, Knudsen's Restaurant-Ice Creamery is closing for a massive remodeling, including changing its floor plan and creating whole new front and back entrances.
The restaurant will still be open this weekend and all next week: “Come in and celebrate the holidays and pick up some chocolate gifts for anyone on your list,” Shay Knudsen, the granddaughter of the founders Dave and Kathy Knudsen told the Forum.
Construction will start on January 2. The dining room is expected to open in mid-February with access through the front. Full construction is to be completed by March 1. The remodel comes as the businesses to the right and left of the family-owned restaurant are upgrading their storefronts.
“I'm excited. It'll be a fresh look for us. I think it will be beneficial to our community members and our employees. We’re celebrating 20 years in Castro Valley this coming May, and I just want to keep this legacy going,” Knudsen said.
The biggest change will be the size of the dining area, which will be reduced by half. A wall will be constructed down the center of the current restaurant floor plan to create a new commercial space to the right. Knudsen’s front entrance will be moved 15 feet to the left of its current location. A new back entrance will be created to ensure there is access from the parking lot. Shay said Knudsen’s would also relocate its candy counter to the front of the restaurant and provide new types of dining.
“We'll have outside seating, and we'll open up the countertop to service again with old-fashioned style stools,” Knudsen said.
Additionally, the restaurant will be open on Mondays after construction is complete. Knudsen's will still offer its seasonal specials, including deserts with homemade fudge and caramel, which are made on-site.
The Knudsen family has been a mainstay in the Castro Valley area since the 70s when Dave and Kathy purchased The Candy Factory located in Southland Mall. Over the next 25 years, the business grew from a small 650-square-foot candy store in the mall to an 18,000-square-foot candy factory and a 20,000-square-foot candy distribution center in Hayward.
“The timing to make this change was good because, typically, things are slow at the beginning of the year,” Knudsen said. “It's what’s best for our business and our family, including our employees who have been here for a long time. I think it's very important for us to stay part of this community.”
For more information, check out the Knudsen's Restaurant-Ice Creamery website. (https://icecreamery.net/)