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I Scream, You Scream: What's Going on with Theno's Ice Cream?

Local ice-cream lovers are concerned that the beloved Redmond ice cream parlor might be closed for good.

 

Beloved , a Redmond institution for nearly 70 years, still has not opened for its summer season, leaving some customers to speculate the ice cream parlor might be closed for good.

Fans have been posting questions on Theno's Facebook page for many months now, asking when they will be able to get their ice-cream fix. Recently, rumors have begun circling that the owners have decided to retire and close the shop permanently.

"We keep driving by looking for the 'we're open' sign," one fan posted. "You are such a part of the community. We love coming there and have for the last 27 years. Our family sure hopes that you'll come back for even a short time. You are missed."

The family-owned ice cream parlor, located off Redmond-Woodinville Road on the very northern edge of town, has been serving up scoops to generations of Sammamish Valley residents for nearly 70 years. The Bloor family bought the business in the 1980s and has owned and operated the shop since then.

Theno's closed Jan. 1 for the winter season—an unusual move that suprised many customers. Three weeks into May, Theno's still sits empty with a "closed" sign on the front and its patio furniture stacked against the building. The life-size cow statue that once greeted customers has been removed.

Theno's itself posted the following message on its Facebook page last month: "We will be releasing some news very soon about our status and whether or not we will be open again. Sorry for the delay."

Redmond Patch has attempted to contact the Bloor family via phone, email and Facebook, but has had no luck so far. The shop's phone number has apparently been disconnected.

In a Redmond Patch article from last year, Sandy Bloor said the rainy climate of the past two summers has been tough on Theno's. ( to read the entire story.)

Judging by the response on Facebook, loyal customers are more than ready to line up for Theno's cones, rain or shine.

"I've been going to Theno's since I was a kid. I use to play in the field behind you guys when there was a house on top of that hill," one fan wrote. "You're an icon for the Eastside. I really hope you guys can make it work."

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Tony Bussert May 23, 2012 at 12:49 pm
I don't think the FDA problems helped them much either.
Local Guy May 23, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Any truth to the rumor the church was putting the squeeze on them?
Annie Archer (Editor) May 23, 2012 at 01:17 pm
Trying to get info on that rumor, if anyone knows what's going on, contact me or Redmond Patch editor, Caitlin Moran.
Anna Wolheter May 23, 2012 at 02:03 pm
More importantly, what happened to the cow?
Kat Stremlau May 23, 2012 at 02:46 pm
Well, I'd make room for them at Tot Spot! They have the best ice cream.
Lisa Sykes May 23, 2012 at 03:22 pm
I used to work there many years ago, as a teenager...both when the Thenos and when the Bloors owned it. I have many fond memories of both families and remember when they were primarily a dairy and were just introducing the ice cream into the business. I kept in touch with sandy blood for awhile after college, marriage, and kids...but have since lost touch. The business and the families who've operated them are close to my heart. They were very good to me. I will miss them if they do not return.
Shaun Ivory May 23, 2012 at 03:49 pm
Sounds unlikely. What leverage would the church have over them? Do they own the property?
Cheri Hoskins May 23, 2012 at 04:10 pm
Unless something has changed in the last month, Thenos is closed for good. I will miss them and so will my family.
Cheri Hoskins May 23, 2012 at 04:12 pm
I will have to ask Sandy, not sure.
Cheri Hoskins May 23, 2012 at 04:13 pm
no
Denise May 23, 2012 at 05:23 pm
"Ice Cream is Brain Food...the more you eat, the smarter we think you are!"
My favorite quotation on their front board.
Annie Archer (Editor) May 23, 2012 at 07:05 pm
Denise, thanks for the memory jog, I had forgotten about the sayings on the board.
Local Guy May 24, 2012 at 01:47 pm
A brief discussion with someone several weeks back who had business dealings with Theno's who said the church had influence over the property and had been trying to get them out for years. No further information, source not reliable...
Shaun Ivory May 24, 2012 at 01:53 pm
To me, it seems irresponsible to spread rumors like this, especially using a pseudonym.
Annie Archer (Editor) May 24, 2012 at 02:08 pm
Shaun, the church does have influence on the property, it is my understanding they own it, but they have said they had not hand in Theno's not opening.
Cheri Hoskins May 25, 2012 at 02:49 am
The church owns the land, but they have nothing to do with Thenos closing. Just wasn't making enough to stay open. Reliable source...Sandy Bloor!!
Annie Archer (Editor) May 25, 2012 at 10:04 am
Thanks for the info Cheri, summer will be a bit gloomier without Theno's.
Linda Roundhill May 25, 2012 at 12:42 pm
It seems to me that their location has become a liability since the widening of the road and the horrible traffic snafus. Maybe they could just move to a better location? I guess the cost would be prohibitive...
Local Guy May 26, 2012 at 03:36 pm
Only rumor mind you, but I have it on good authority that the missing cow is somehow involved with this rampage...
http://mynorthwest.com/123/683262/Police-say-roving-cows-drank-Mass-backyard-brews
Pat Resende May 27, 2012 at 12:04 am
If they want to retire, they could sell their recipes and equipment to someone who would carry on the tradition in another location. Thenos has been such a part of summer for our family -- I can't imagine it not being there. What's July without cantaloupe ice cream?
Rachel May 28, 2012 at 09:16 pm
They should move to one of the open retail spots in downtown Redmond- say, Red160? They could do a lot of business there
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