Soft Stuff Ice Cream

of Ellicott City, MD made its debut. It was and still is a family owned business, originally owned by the Weal family, Ed, Joan, Michael and Steve. The idea for the store was a result of Ed Weal's vacations to Rehobeth Beach, Delaware where he would stroll down the boardwalk and visit the various soft ice cream shops.asking questions about the businesses and eventually presenting his idea to the family for a new business in Ellicott City. The family already owned the Forest Motel on Route 40 since 1967 and it seemed like a perfect location and fit for the area. The ice cream shop was built in front of and contiguous to the motel and opened in May of 1984.