In Photos: Mayor David Smith Uses Oversized Scissors For Last Time

Mayor David Smith got to cut the big, red ribbon, have his cake and eat it, too.

Dozens of Newark residents, city leaders and members of the Newark Chamber of Commerce visited for a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday night in celebration of a change in the franchise’s ownership for the first time in 20 years.

And while the ice creamery was celebrating a first, Smith was celebrating his last.

Smith has lost count of how many ribbon cuttings he has done since he was appointed and then elected mayor in 1978 but his last was welcomed with applause and cheers.

And that wasn’t all there was to celebrate. Today is Smith’s 66th birthday and Baskin Robbins owners Ping and Iris Wang surprised him with cake decorated with the city’s emblem frosted on top.

Throughout the evening, the Wangs met with the individuals who crowded the shop as scoops of ice cream and cups of frosty shakes circulated the room.

The decision to take over the shop was one that came naturally.

Iris Wang’s smile was defined as she recalled memories of trips she and her husband Ping used to take to their local Baskin Robbins store to grab scoops of their favorite flavors.

“I’m an ice cream lover,” she said.

Since their 25-year-old son Lawrence was a child, Baskin Robbins in Newark became their dessert go-to spot.

And now, two decades later, the Wang family gets can call the ice creamery their second home as owners.

Iris Wang said no physical changes have been made to Baskin Robbins but that customers, who she called guests, may see a difference in customer service and management style.

Also, Newark's Baskin Robbins will be holding numerous weekly promotions this winter including Tuesday discounts of $1.00 off a scoop and free Waffle cones on Wednesdays.

Baskin Robbins has 6,000 stores in 35 countries. To learn more about Baskin Robbins, visit their website at http://www.baskinrobbins.com.