Business & Tech

Max's Ice Cream Lease Being Terminated

The Glover Park ice cream shop received a notice Friday that its lease would end effective June 30.

Max's Best Ice Cream in Glover Park received notice Friday that its lease would not be renewed and that the business must vacate the space by June 30.

The shop has called 2416 Wisconsin Ave. NW home for some 20 years.

  • UPDATE: Rocklands Confirms Expansion into Max's Ice Cream Space

"I'm a part of the village," said owner Max Keshani. "This is my home, this is my life."

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Keshani attended American University and his daughter went to school at nearby Stoddert Elementary.

He said he has been trying to negotiate a new lease with the landlord since some time in November when he was told his rent would be raised an extra $1,200 a month.

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When he had not heard anything, he had his daughter write to the landlord about their lease. Then, on Friday, he received a letter telling him to turn in his keys by June 30. He says there was no reason given for the termination.

"I was shocked," he told Patch.

Keshani said the letter gave no reason for the termination.

"I have no alternative," he said when asked what he plans to do.

But he said after conversations with loyal customers who want to help him, he has hope.

The Glover Park listserv buzzed with comments over the normally quiet weekend period as neighbors chimed in with a kind word about Max or an offer to help.

"He has been the epitome of a business-owner who cares about the people he serves. He is one of the people who help make our community the wonderful place it is," wrote one commenter.

Others suggested reaching out to local media and finding a lawyer to do some pro bono work for Max.

"I have the support of my neighbors," Keshani told Patch.

Patch left a message for the landlord, but was unable to reach anyone over the weekend to discuss the lease issue.

Keshani believes neighboring Rocklands Barbeque wants to take over his space.

He was frustrated during a conversation with Patch Sunday. He said he sees himself as a part of the community, a business owner who gives back and is a "genuinely hard worker."

"I want my legacy to be noticed."

However his situation ends, he said he is grateful to his Glover Park community.

"I want to say thank you for everyone who is pulling for me," he said.

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