STATE RECOGNIZES LOCAL BUSINESS
Representatives present honor to Ray’s Ice Cream
In 1958, the doors at Ray’s Ice Cream swung open and the family owned business became a Royal Oak favorite.
Today, Jason and Lindsey Eddleston are the family business owners who are keeping the ice cream parlor a city staple. So much so, the state of Michigan noticed. On a recent Friday, the couple were honored with a special tribute as the State of Michigan’s Small Business of the Month.
Representatives Helena Scott (D-7th District) and Regina Weiss (D-6th District) were at Ray’s to not only present the award but enjoy a scoop of ice cream. Scott, a second term rep from Detroit is in her first term representing Royal Oak. She first met Eddleston last summer when road construction work was hindering businesses on Coolidge Road from 14 Mile to 13 Mile roads.
“In conversation with him, listening to the story and listening to the heritage of the 70 year business and how he and his wife purchased it, I said, ‘We’re going to honor you with the Small Business Award’ and I think he is more than deserving. People come from miles around. I tasted it when I was here last and I can testify that its excellent and wonderful,” she said.
“Ray’s has been such a staple in the community for so long, they are fully deserving of this reward. Now that they are under new management and leadership, they are continuing to carry on the legacy of Ray’s and really bring it into the future and make sure it stays here as a staple in Royal Oak,” Rep. Weiss, who has been in office since 2021, said.
Jason Eddleston was honored by the award and knows it’s all about serving the community and continuing to make a great product.
“I think it’s great to recognize Ray’s for the longstanding tradition we’ve
had in the neighborhood of serving wonderful, delicious ice cream,” he said. “And anytime someone can give us an award or bring any attention to our business only helps with everything we have going on.”
A crowded parlor was on hand enjoying ice cream and honoring the Eddlestons and their hard work.
“I think it’s great to see so many people from the community and the neighborhood here helping support us whether it’s the people I work closely with at the Chamber of Commerce of Royal Oak, people from the city of Royal Oak, great neighbors that are also partners like the Royal Oak Leprechauns. Bringing everyone together is really what I think elevates us as a community and a small business,” said Jason Eddleston.
Two plaques were presented for the hard work already put in but there’s plenty ahead in 2024 for Rays Ice Cream and their customers.
“We’re always going to put new flavors and ideas out there especially kidbased friendly ideas and working with our wholesale partners to create new ice cream and new concepts,” he said. “We’re continually growing the wholesale business. We’re in 23 stores and by summer we hope to be in 50 stores with our pints and create more wholesale accounts.”