New Bedford Newport Creamery Building Is Officially Knocked Down

Over the weekend, the old Newport Creamery building on Kings Highway was leveled to the ground.

It wasn’t a surprise; rumors have swirled for months about a new Chipotle Mexican Grill taking over the lot. That didn’t stop a lump from forming in my throat as I drove by and saw the empty space where the building once stood now reduced to a pile of rubble.

Newport Creamery wasn’t just another chain restaurant.

It was the place you went with your parents after Little League, where you sat in a red booth sipping a frosty Awful Awful, proud of your latest spelling test or just happy to be out on a random Tuesday night. It was where grandparents treated you to lunch and wiped ice cream onto their napkins when it melted too fast.

READ MORE: Massachusetts' Famous Fribble Was Once Called "Awful"

That awkward mix of retro laminated tables, squeaky leather seats, and smiling waitresses who called you “hon” – that was our New England version of comfort food and comfort place.

To see it gone entirely – just rubble now – feels like losing a familiar face in the neighborhood. A reminder that even our memories have expiration dates.

READ MORE: Fall River Newport Creamery Offering "Bottomless" Awful Awfuls

Sure, the area will soon have the spicy temptation of burritos and bowls, and I’m not knocking it (or Chipotle). What’s replacing it can’t recreate what Newport Creamery gave us, though.

No matter how tasty it may be, a burrito just doesn't hold a candle to an Awful Awful shared with that special someone on a summer night.