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“25 years and still lickin’!” proclaims the backs of the new t-shirts at Jarling’s Custard Cup (309 W. Kirby in Champaign) as it celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary on Monday, April 28. This local treasure, which has its roots in 1941 Danville, came to Champaign-Urbana in 1963. Owned by locals Doug and Christy Jarling, the Custard Cup remains both a family business and a household name.

Jarling’s tradition began with lemon, their original specialty flavor, which gives a sweet and refreshing twist to the summery fruit. These days, Jarling’s still keeps it simple with only five flavors – chocolate, vanilla, orange, strawberry and lemon.

“It gets to be that people will order by color,” says Chelsea Grady, who has worked at the Custard Cup for three seasons. “’I’ll have two yellows and a pink, please!’”

But a small selection of flavors does not mean a shortage of variety. From cold fudge to snowstorms, the expansive menu board that hangs over the counter can keep newcomers indecisive and gives regulars a chance to try something new.

Jarling’s celebrated its anniversary with daily deals all week. Starting with 50 cents off cold fudge treats on Sunday, Jarling’s offered specials on indulgences like three-flavor rainbow cups and cones, old-fashioned sodas, and classic banana splits with strawberry, chocolate and pineapple topping. Five daily drawings gave customers a chance to win Jarling’s gift certificates and t-shirts.

However, even after 25 years, some may still be asking, “Why custard?” Though their recipe for custard is a secret, says Grady, Jarling’s custard is different from ice cream in that it is more milk-based and is not made with eggs. Despite the custard’s lack of fat at 93% fat-free, this combination makes for a creamier treat that is soft-serve.

For the sake of Champaign-Urbana’s sweet tooth and the tradition of a local family business, may Jarling’s keep lickin’ for another 25 years.