Newton's Cabot's Turns 50 And Celebrates With Ice Cream

NEWTON, MA — There are a lot of memories at Cabot's in Newton. For half a century, folks have been coming to the old-fashioned ice cream parlor to get their ice cream sundae fix, nom on breakfast all day or come for a bite after working out nearby. They've also come here for first dates and proposals, family outings and as an excuse to hang out with friends.

The ice cream shop and restaurant turned 50 this month and to celebrate, owner Joseph Prestejohn hosted an“Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social” on Saturday, June 15 in a tent behind the restaurant. It was the perfect day for it, with plenty of sunshine and smiles.

"It's a great turnout," said Prestejohn, as he weaved through the crowd greeting familiar faces, hugging old customers and old scoopers come to celebrate. "I couldn't have asked for a better day."

The Newton staple on Washington Street is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that got its name from the neighborhood in which it sits and has been family-owned and operated since the beginning in 1969. Prestejohn's parents Joe and Catherine, bought the place from the previous owners. And he and his sister Susan Lipsky and their families have been scooping ever since.

"We've been lucky enough to be a great community and support all of these years, and we've had some great workers," Prestejohn said. "It's nice to know we are part of so many great families and traditions and memories."

The Nieves-Flores family lives right around the corner with their three young children and were walking by when they saw the ice cream social, and had to come by.

"50 years is a long time. It's great they've been here so long," said Darlene Flores.

During the June 15 event, Prestejohn held raffles with proceeds going toward Newton Athletes Unlimited, John M Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, and The Second Step.

"Joe is a great partner," said Suzanne Wakefield of Second Step. She and Cindy Laughrea said the money raised will go toward the most critical needs at the organization, which was founded to help survivors of domestic violence.

And that type of generosity is not unusual for Cabot's. For years the restaurant has helped raise money for or donated to more than a dozen local organizations.

"Joe does so many wonderful things, he deserves blue skies and lots of people celebrating," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

And like any good ice cream parlor or diner Cabot’s serves breakfast all day, lunch, dinner, and, of course, ice cream and custom ice cream cakes and pies. There are more than 70 flavors and 35 varieties of toppings to choose from.

"It's all about the memories," Prestejohn. And who doesn't have a memory of getting your favorite ice cream with a cherry on top at Cabot's.

Related:

• Catherine M. (Prezioso) Prestejohn, 91, Founder of Cabot's Ice Cream
• Frozen Treat Stamp To Be Unveiled At Cabot's In Newton

• Cabot's Keeps Tradition Tasty in Newton

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).