‘It just isn’t the same without him’: Five weeks after Full Tilt Ice Cream founder Justin Cline’s death, closure announced

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB/WCN photo of Justin, Ann, and kids Moss and Ruby last year, when Full Tilt marked 15 years)

Five weeks after the death of Justin Cline, who founded Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center in 2008 with wife Ann Magyar, she just sent us the announcement that their flagship store and wholesale operations will close:

Dear Full Tilt family,

Justin founded Full Tilt with the hope he could work for himself and be part of the neighborhood in a positive, fun way. He wanted a place for music and art and for families to play. We opened on June 20, 2008 and were floored from day one at how much the community embraced us. We met so many people and made so many friends that we still hold dear. We loved watching kids learn to play pinball and Pac-Man and beg to stay just a little longer. So many artists and musicians and chefs have shared our space and we’ve been honored to be part of those journeys. Full Tilt was never just about the ice cream. But now Justin is gone, and it just isn’t the same without him. It’s time for Full Tilt as we know it to end.

Our wholesale operations will stop at the end of April. The last day for the White Center shop will be May 26th. The Columbia City shop will remain open but they do not accept gift cards, coupons, or birthday party certificates from other locations. You can find more info about that shop at www.fulltiltcolumbiacity.com.

I’m beyond grateful for the love and friendship and support these past 16 years. It’s truly been the best years of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this craziness. Thank you White Center.

With love,
Mrs. Full Tilt

WS Resident April 8, 2024 (3:48 pm)

I’ve only been to Full Tilt once or twice in my life, but it is absolutely obvious to anyone who lives in West Seattle & White Center what the family and the ice cream means to the community. Along with Husky Deli, it is an institution in the community. My heart goes out to Justin’s family, who couldn’t have made this decision easily, and to his friends. This makes me so sad!

valvashon April 8, 2024 (3:54 pm)

Remember when they had two turntables and a mixer, and you could come in and play some of your favorite records? I put my name in for an hour, maybe two early on a Saturday night to play some of my favorite weird singles by some independent labels and bands. I brought only the records I wanted to play and made a playlist I was going to follow- it would all be mixed together and sound great. I used to be a volunteer DJ at a radio station so I was going for that sound- fade the previous record out, start the next one hot, or make a cold end and a hot start as tight as you could. As soon as I sat down another older than me gentleman showed up and said that he also had this time booked. Sure enough, he was on the sheet too. We ended up alternating songs, me with my indie rock and he with his scratchy, overplayed in two different ways ’60s and ’70s hit singles, gaps so large you could drive an ice cream truck through. No backcueing for him, it was a drop the needle on the record with the fader up and see what happened. It ended up being one of the weirdest and best times I’ve played records anywhere and the crowd in the place seemed to enjoy the odd mix of music. Thank you Full Tilt for giving me that experience, and for all the delicious ice cream over the years. We’ll be back before you close.

Anne April 8, 2024 (4:08 pm)

Would be nice if Molly Moon could pivot & fill the ice cream void in White Center.

Alki resident April 8, 2024 (4:48 pm)

Came here to say the same. It would definitely be needed.
Suzanne April 8, 2024 (9:06 pm)

Anne: LOVE this suggestion! 100% onboard.
TheArroyos April 8, 2024 (9:52 pm)

Tackiest comment
Kt April 9, 2024 (5:22 am)

And will you be go funding for Molly Moon to pay off their lease obligations to the West Seattle Landlord for this suggestion? Likely at least a three year lease minimum?
pete mitchell April 9, 2024 (2:18 pm)

Molly was a HORRIBLE person to Justin.. No to them in WC OR WS.
Tired WS Mom April 10, 2024 (8:15 am)

They’ve already announced that they’re coming to WS

B April 8, 2024 (5:07 pm)

We wish Mrs. Full Tilt and Family the best during this tough time and beyond. Your positive impact on this community will always be a part of us.

onion April 8, 2024 (5:59 pm)

I wish the Full Tilt family and crew well with their healing process. I also think of the similar death of one of the founders of New Leaf Bistro in Admiral, and the challenges they have faced in keeping their business going even through their grief. Vivid reminders of the real people and families that depend on our small businesses.

Jenn Dowell April 8, 2024 (6:39 pm)

There will be a huge hole in the heart of White Center without the passion and leadership that was present with Justin Cline. What will we all do without him? Thank you Justin, for everything.

Olivia April 8, 2024 (6:39 pm)

So sad to see this. I wish Mrs. Full Tilt and all of Justin’s family peace as they grieve. Sending love.

M April 8, 2024 (7:08 pm)

My thoughts are with the Full Tilt family. I’m so sorry for your loss–thanks for everything you gave to the community.

Derek April 8, 2024 (8:13 pm)

Now THIS was good ice cream, man this is a bummer

Lynda B April 8, 2024 (8:19 pm)

Thank you Full Tilt family for being a part of our community. I’m glad we will have a location to continue to go to. Sending you love and peace. Let’s help them meet their GoFundMe goal!

g April 8, 2024 (9:10 pm)

Let’s meet that go fund me goal, indeed! Linked here for reference: https://www.gofundme.com/f/friends-of-the-magyar-clines-and-full-tilt

Suzanne April 8, 2024 (9:11 pm)

Full Tilt family — I wish you much softer journeys as you move through this unspeakably sad time in your lives. We in WS will miss you and forever hold you in our hearts.

ES April 8, 2024 (10:52 pm)

This is so heartbreaking. Full Tilt is such a big part of the White Center community and a big part of my family’s lives. We will truly miss our outings to FT 💔

divine April 9, 2024 (4:57 am)

Over a decade ago, my wife had a birthday party. She wanted peppermint ice cream. Justin took me back to the walk-in freezer as he shuffled around looking for it. I stood near him as he moved stuff around trying to find the ice cream. He narrated a bit about how it wasn’t that popular, but he thought he had some. A kind man, connected with people through the culture he nurtured, living together, eating ice cream in celebration. That is the web, the tapestry of us he is part of that weaves with all.

D-Mom April 9, 2024 (6:32 am)

So sad to lose such an amazing business, but understandable why. My son grew up at the white center location, often going there with friends or a soccer team. I fell in love too as I cannot have dairy and they have the best vegan ice cream. Especially the chocolate! My son used to scrounge for quarters under the machines and often found enough for a game or 2. So many memories there. We will miss you!