SOLEDAD, Calif. — Lolita’s Ice Cream, a beloved institution on Front Street, is set to close its doors next Monday after 33 years of serving the Soledad community. The closure comes in response to a steep rent increase that the owner, Maria Lopez, says she cannot afford.
“This is heartbreaking,” said loyal customer Reyna Garcia. “It’s a tradition. Even though I no longer live in Soledad, I always stop by when I visit.”
Lolita’s Ice Cream, run by Lopez and supported by her three sons, has been a fixture in the city, offering ice cream, snacks, and lunch to generations of Soledad families.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been coming here with my family to enjoy ice cream and nachos,” said long-time customer Stephania Lopez. “This place feels like home, and now I’m happy to bring my twins here too.”
Lopez shared that her lease is expiring, and the new building owner intends to double the rent, making it financially impossible for her to remain. “I want to thank all my customers; they’ve been like family to me over the years,” Lopez said with gratitude as she prepares for the shop’s final day of business.
The ice cream shop is not the only local business affected by the changes. A nearby hair salon, also located in the same building, will close its doors at the end of the month for the same reason: a rent hike that makes continuing operations unsustainable. The building owner, Veronica Zavala, declined to comment when contacted.
Soledad city leaders are now working to support the affected businesses. Mayor Anna Velazquez expressed concern over the closures. “We are exploring different options to help these businesses stay open. Our priority is to ensure that long-standing establishments don’t have to shut down,” Velazquez said.
As the businesses look for new locations, it remains uncertain whether they will be able to continue operations in the current area, as new tenants may already be lined up for the space. The community hopes that both businesses will find a way to keep their legacies alive, but it may not be on Front Street.
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