Saffiticker’s Will Be Back in April — Garrett County’s Ice Cream Tradition Isn’t Going Anywhere

OAKLAND — If you’ve been driving Route 219 and feeling that first warm-weather ice cream itch, you’re not alone. And if you’ve been wondering what’s going on with Saffiticker’s, here’s the bottom line:

Your favorite stop is still right around the corner — it’s just opening a little later this year.

The shop posted that it usually opens in March, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it won’t be able to open until April. They also promised to keep customers updated and said they’re excited for another great season.

A local staple with a long summer history

Saffiticker’s isn’t just a place to grab dessert — it’s part of the rhythm of spring and summer in Garrett County. For many families, it’s the first “seasonal stop” that signals winter is letting go: a quick pull-off, kids in the backseat cheering, and the familiar line at the window.

According to reporting by The Garrett Republican, Saffiticker’s is a family-run shop located at 7084 Garrett Highway in Oakland, and it was started in 1994 by Lyle Newman and his wife Carol. In 2024, the same report described the business as heading into its 30th summer serving the community. 

What Saffiticker’s is known for:

The shop’s own listing describes a classic lineup that’s become a local favorite:

• 6 flavors of soft serve
• 8 flavors of Hershey’s hand-dipped
• Made-to-order banana treats (banana splits and more) 

It’s the kind of menu that keeps it simple, familiar, and worth the stop—whether you’re a local, a seasonal resident, or rolling through town on a Deep Creek weekend.

Reassurance for the community

A delayed opening is frustrating when the weather turns perfect, but it’s also a reminder that seasonal small businesses are run by real people — and sometimes real life forces the calendar to shift.

So if you’re hearing chatter or seeing people worry, the message is straightforward:

Saffiticker’s isn’t gone. Ice cream season is still coming. April is just around the corner.

For updates, keep an eye on Saffiticker’s official social pages where they’ve said they’ll post reopening information.