Perry's Last Stand to close Wareham location permanently

After 15 years serving summertime treats, Perry's Last Stand is closing the doors to its Cranberry Highway location for good.

Perry's Last Stand announced Monday, Oct. 20 via Facebook that the 2025 season was its last. Owners Jim and Mardie Winterbottom described the closure as, "unexpected."

"Bob Perry who owns the building— we've been renting it from him. We got a certified letter in the mail saying that he would not be renewing our lease and that's about it," Jim said. "It's complicated because Bob is my stepfather."

First opening in 1992, Perry's Last Stand was run by Jim's mother, Elieen. Following her passing in 2004, Bob acquired the business and carried out operations until 2010 when he sold the business, but not the building, to Jim and Mardie.

"We bought the ice cream trucks from [Bob] around 2007 and got into the whole truck business," he said. "One became four and four became six and then the store was failing. Bob approached us and said, 'Hey, would you guys be interested in buying the store?'"

The Winterbottom's both said they had no plans to close any time soon. Mardie, brought to tears over the closure said it was, “emotional,” while Jim said it was good to see the outpouring response from patrons on social media. Many shared memories and mourned the loss of the shop in the comments of the shops Facebook post.

"It's nice to know that we had a positive impact on a lot of people's lives and it's simultaneously upsetting that we won't be able to continue. It's very unfortunate," he said.

Fans of the shop can still expect the ice cream trucks to operate in their usual locations in 2026, however, Jim says there is no plan to open another physical location. Any previously purchased gift certificates will be honored at the ice cream trucks.

"It was a unique location, the advantage was that we'd be able to operate the store and the trucks together. To do that with a drive-thru— it's hard to find. Especially on such short notice," he said.

The Winterbottom's said they are unsure that they will ever return to physical operation and that they wanted to thank those who supported the shop over the years.

"It's been challenging and rewarding all at the same time. Certainly there's a lot that we're going to miss because you can't replace that with anything else. But, we'll do our damndest to continue to serve the community through the trucks and maintain all of those relationships to the extent that we can without the brick and mortar," he said.