Last day for Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center

Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center is closing Sunday after nearly 16 years in business.

Full Tilt is located at 9629 16th Avenue Southwest and will be open from 2-8 p.m.

The closure comes after Full Tilt’s co-founder Justin Cline died on March 2, following a heart attack. He was 49.

Cline left behind a wife and two kids.

Cline and his business are a beloved part of the White Center community. In 2001 after an arson fire that devastated six businesses , Full Tilt immediately began raising money for displaced workers.

“Full Tilt was never just about the ice cream. But now Justin is gone, and it just isn’t the same without him. It’s time for Full Tilt as we know it to end,” said an announcement on the Full Tilt website .

KIRO7 caught up with all sorts of customers on the shop’s final day of business. While many customers were enjoying that final scoop or two of ice cream, they say Full Tilt was a place for everyone.

“Aside from the food being really good and they’ve got the arcade set up. It’s just like real people being real. And they’ve got a fun, great attitude,” Ashlyn said.

Rachel, who also goes by Rascal, says she’s helped make the ice cream at the shop for 9 years. She says she heading to the store will all sorts of emotions.

“But the second I came here and saw all of these people….well, it did make me cry,” Rachel said.

Rachel also told KIRO7 that not only was Cline a man who loved serving ice cream, but his community as well.

“Justin did everything, all he could for his community and his friends,” Rachel said.

Although it’s never easy saying goodbye, Rachel feels the amount of support the store got on its final day was the sign that the community cared for more than just the ice cream.

“And it is a good way….all of these people coming together and supporting us and having a fun time is the right way to close out the chapter,” Rachel said.

Full Tilt also has a location in Columbia City on Rainier Avenue South. That location will remain open.