Courtesy Harkins Photo Blog

After 45-years of serving burgers, sandwiches and ice cream on the Boulevard, Bob Howard has sold his landmark local business, Heritage Farm Ice Cream.

Howard, a then 22-year old Bentley College graduate who was “assigned” to run the shop by his father in 1978, made the announcement earlier this evening on his personal Facebook page.

While the social media post did not disclose who the new owners were, the Inside Scoop (pardon the pun) is that the business was sold to the same group that has also purchased other notable Lowell eateries, including Santoro’s, Angelina’s and Jillie’s Roast Beef. InsideLowell has also learned the new owners will begin operating the establishment tomorrow, with Howard expected to stay on in a part-time capacity to assist during the transition.

Besides running a successful business, Howard is well known locally for his community involvement, especially with the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell. His FB post described the sale  as “bitter sweet,” while thanking all who supported him through the years.

“I’m at the point in my life that I know the time is now,” Howard concluded. “On to the next chapter of my life and I’ll never again have to hear my wife say in February when are you going back to work?”