Worth repeating
Seeing the return of the Tastee Freez sign takes some people back more than 50 years
Following an absence for a number of years, a popular sign reappeared on the side of
Terry's Place Restaurant in Hilden during late December. And, the Tastee Freez sign has been drawing a lot of attention... "Listen, I've been hearing all kinds of comments about the sign," said Terry's Place owner, Angie Nichols. "I've heard a lot of: 'I remember when...'. People have been sharing memories regarding coming to the restaurant when the sign was up. I've heard things like : 'your chicken burgers are the same, your hamburgers haven't changed', and this sort of thing.
There have also been huge things said about the sign on social media."
The attention-grabbing sign goes back to 1967 when Nichols's parents Terry and Francine Payne owned a Tastee Freez franchise on Willow Street in Truro.
"Putting the sign back up on the building had been something we had been thinking about for quite awhile," Nichols said. "It followed changing the paint colour back to the original Tastee Freez colours last summer."
Still referred to by some as Tastee Freez, the original restaurant building was moved from Truro to Hilden in 1974. Following relocation, Terry's Place constructed a new building in 1979 and followed with an addition in the early 1990s.
"I started working in the restaurant in 1983 when
I was thirteen, I've never stopped," Nichols recalled. "Following high school, I felt I needed something to fall back on, that was why I decided to attend the Nova Scotia Akerley Campus and take a two-year hospitality course. But, I still came back to the restaurant."
Around the year 2000, Nichols leased the business, and in 2009 she purchased it from her parents.
"It was important to me to carry on what Mom and Dad started. I was certainly excited to be running a business I had worked at for so many years. I recall that in the early 2000's people were looking for healthier menu choices and that restaurant regulations were changing."
MANY SPECIAL MEMORIES
"What would be a highlight since day one, would be working with my co-workers and the friendships that developed. The relationships our staff made with many of our customers, that is really special. If it wasn't for our staff and some great customers, I probably wouldn't be still doing what I'm doing today."
The restaurant business and Terry's Place reached a tremendous milestone in 2017 and Nichols appeared thrilled in talking about their 50th celebration.
"It was a three-day celebration during June," Nichols said. "So many customers came, a lot of people were here to see my parents. Our staff never saw so many customers. Everyone was happy, a lot of our former staff came and paid a visit, it was really wonderful. When you think about it, really, how many small business's stay around for 50 years?”
Now in its 54th year, Nichols reflected on the connection of maintain a co-generational business for so long.
"My personal investment and the fact the business formerly belonged to Mom and Dad, this has kept me dedicated through hard times."
In speaking about the COVID-19 pandemic, Nichols praised customers and staff alike for their loyalty and support.
“The customers have been understanding and cooperative in regards to what we've been going through. We rearranged our booths so that people are six feet apart, our staff always wear masks and are continuously sanitizing. I believe people have felt safe coming to the restaurant for a meal.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has been a very difficult time to go through, it was take-out orders only for awhile and there was a period we were only open three days a week. It was June 5 we got back to seating customers. I'm so grateful to this community and surrounding communities for the support they've given us, for helping us survive."
Some readers may be aware that Terry's Place was recently listed as being for sale. With a slight hint of emotion, Nichols commented.
"As sad as it will be to not come and work here every day, I have put in 37 years and I feel it's my time to retire."
Next week WORTH REPEATING will feature Terry and Francine Payne. Their journey included moving to Truro in 1976 to become involved in a Tastee Freez franchise. Later came a restaurant experience in Hilden with the founding of Terry's Place. I believe you will like their story...
Worth Repeating is a weekly column touching on stories from the past, life experiences and events of the present day. If you have a column idea, contact Lyle Carter at 902 673-2857.