Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 10. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
After a year under new ownership, The Custard Factory continues to embody the spirit that customers have known and loved over the past two decades.
Door Decal at Rusty's Custard Factory on Aug. 21.
The Custard Factory, formerly known as Rusty’s Custard Factory, was opened in 2001 by Russell “Rusty” Rasmussen at 1000 Alameda St. Due to construction in the surrounding area, Rasmussen closed shop and moved his business to Main Street in 2017. In October 2023, Rasmussen approached The Wilson Company about selling his company.
The Wilson Company, owned by Sereta and Rob Wilson, owns various Norman businesses, including Yellow Dog Coffee Company and dog daycare Annie’s Ruff House.
Rasmussen helped The Wilson Company navigate the restaurant industry when they launched Yellow Dog Coffee Company. After knowing and working with one another, Rasmussen approached Sereta Wilson wanting to sell The Custard Factory.
“It was a good opportunity,” Sereta Wilson said. “It's a well-established (23-year) business that has a good track record. It's well-loved, and we really wanted it to continue on.”
The Wilson Company aims to acquire, build and improve businesses. However, Rob Wilson said they are cautious making any changes to The Custard Factory, big or small. So far, they have updated the interior by incorporating more color into the decor. In the future, they want to add popsicles to the menu.
“We're trying not to change too much because we know it's a beloved product that’s a part of the fabric of Norman,” Rob Wilson said.
Sizes at The Custard Factory on Aug. 21.
The Custard Factory offers a wide selection of custards and toppings, such as pumpkin custard and oatmeal cookie dough. Customers can select a premade combination from the menu or make their own. Rob Wilson suggests asking for vanilla custard with cherry pie filling and hot fudge.
Rob Wilson said The Custard Factory has faced ongoing challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, so they are working to regain stability in The Custard Factory’s normal business operations.
“(The Wilson Company) is holding patterns, stabilizing everything, making sure all of our businesses provide an excellent product and making sure that our employees are well cared for,” Rob Wilson said. “As far as any future plans, we're open to all kinds of things, but first we need to make sure our house is clean.”
Rob Wilson said that they are analyzing popular menu items to consolidate the menu, making it easier for staff to manage and customers to see.
In just under a year of ownership, Rob Wilson said they have increased employee salary and The Custard Factory is aiming to support its employees and serve high-quality products while staying true to the heart of the business.
“We’re running The Custard Factory the way Rusty would have wanted it done,” Rob Wilson said. “And besides, who could be unhappy with an ice cream in their hand?”
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily, The Custard Factory can be found at 301 E. Main St.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery and Peggy Dodd. Natalie Armour, Avery Avery, Grace Rhodes and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
