Full Tilt Ice Cream – a beloved community gathering spot known for its unique flavors, lively music and classic arcade games – will be closing its doors in White Center after 16 years in business.
The announcement comes just over a month after the sudden, tragic passing of founder Justin Cline on Mar. 2, 2024.
In a heartfelt message to patrons, Cline’s wife Ann Magyar expressed the difficulty of continuing without him.
“Full Tilt was never just about the ice cream,” her message reads. “It’s just not the same without him.”
The White Center location will officially close on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Wholesale operations will cease at the end of April. The Columbia City location will remain open, but with limitations on gift cards and coupons originally intended for other stores.
Full Tilt opened its doors in White Center in 2008, quickly becoming a local favorite. The shop offered a vibrant atmosphere with music, art, and classic pinball and arcade games alongside its signature ice cream flavors.
The cause of closure is attributed to the loss founder Cline, with the remaining ownership unable to continue the business in its current form.
In her message, Magyar expressed her gratitude to the community for their support over the years.
“I’m beyond grateful for the love and friendship and support these past 16 years. It’s truly been the best years of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this craziness. Thank you White Center.”
Here’s Maygar’s full message, as posted on Facebook:
“Dear Full Tilt family,
“Justin founded Full Tilt with the hope he could work for himself and be part of the neighborhood in a positive, fun way. He wanted a place for music and art and for families to play. We opened on June 20, 2008 and were floored from day one at how much the community embraced us. We met so many people and made so many friends that we still hold dear. We loved watching kids learn to play pinball and Pac-Man and beg to stay just a little longer. So many artists and musicians and chefs have shared our space and we’ve been honored to be part of those journeys.
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.
“Our wholesale operations will stop at the end of April. The last day for the White Center shop will be May 26th. The Columbia City shop will remain open but they do not accept gift cards, coupons, or birthday party certificates from other locations. You can find more info about that shop at www.fulltiltcolumbiacity.com.
“I’m beyond grateful for the love and friendship and support these past 16 years. It’s truly been the best years of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this craziness. Thank you White Center.
“With love,
Mrs. Full Tilt”
So sorry for your loss and to hear that you are closing.