ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – If you’ve ever visited I Scream Ice Cream located at Carlisle Boulevard NE near Indian School Road, you probably were greeted by Bill Warren as he crafted sundaes and served hot dogs and coffee to customers. Warren first opened his business in 2005 and has been putting smiles on customer’s faces ever since.
“I wanted a place where families could come and inexpensively have a good time, have fun, play some games, and eat some good ice cream, and just enjoy themselves,” Warren told KRQE News 13.
Walking into the ice cream shop today, you may notice a change. While the nostalgia remains through Warren’s extensive collection of 1940s and 1950s antiques and vintage items that line the walls, a new owner is present behind the counter greeting patrons.
After nearly 20 years in the ice cream business, Warren has passed his legacy on. “We’ve had some health issues in the family that we have to deal with. I can’t do the 80 hours a week anymore. I’m physically not able to do that,” Warren said. “And so, [I] found somebody that really is intrinsically as goofy as I am, that would take over the shop,” he explained.
The new owner of I Scream Ice Cream is no stranger to the shop. Elycia Martinez-Davis often visited to get ice cream with her father, who owns the phone repair store right next door. She said her father proposed the idea that she should take over the business, and he helped purchase it for Martinez-Davis. “It took me a minute to think about it, but, you know, I realized, like, what an opportunity it was, especially just with how established this business is and how wonderful Bill has made it,” Martinez-Davis said.
Martinez-Davis officially took over the business in February and plans to keep the business running as Warren had it, vintage and retro collectibles and all. Martinez-Davis even added her own items to the collection: two vintage malt mixers.
Martinez-Davis is also no stranger to ice cream, as she previously worked as a soda jerk at the 66 diner on Central Avenue. “So I’ve kind of run the gauntlet in the restaurant industry. Took a break for a while, went to school, and then now I guess I’m back again. You know, it always kind of pulls you back in,” she said.
As for Warren, he has still been helping out with the business when he can. “I miss the camaraderie. I miss the kids. I miss the conversations. I miss the people. That’s the most important thing. But, again, I can stick my nose in here. She [Martinez-Davis] leaves the door unlocked for me when I come in,” said Warren.
Over the years, Warren has served thousands of people and received recognition from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. His business was also included on Yelp’s list of the Top 100 Ice Cream Shops for 2023. “I just want to thank the city of Albuquerque and the people of New Mexico,” Warren said while teary-eyed.
