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More than a century in business and counting. Why Fosselman's is a SoCal treasure
Photo of Fosselman's Ice Cream
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Courtesy Grace Fosselman
)
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Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. has been serving customers since the end of WWI
Guest: John Fosselman, owner of Fosselman’s Ice Cream Company
Since its opening in 1919, Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. has learned a thing or two about the art of ice cream, offering more than 50 flavors, ranging from the classics to the regionally inspired.
Co-owner John Fosselman sat down with Austin Cross, who hosts AirTalk Friday on LAist 89.3, to discuss the history of his family's business and how four generations have had a hand in keeping the business alive.
About the owners
The original concept for the ice cream venture came from Christian Fosselman, who started his business as a young man in Waverly, Iowa. While attending a bottling convention, he got his first taste of ice cream. Family lore says he was fascinated by the latest ice cream manufacturing equipment available. This led him to start a new business and move his family to Pasadena in 1924.
Fast forward to today, the business is now in the hands of the third generation of Fosselmans — Chris and John.
They currently run two brick-and-mortar locations: Fosselman's Ice Cream Co. in Alhambra, and The Ice Cream Shop in Glendora.
What goes into making their ice cream?
In the case of their "Coffee & Cookies" flavor, a lot went into perfecting it.
Freeze-dried Colombian coffee is how they capture the taste. By minimizing the amount of water used in the process, they're able to keep the ice cream quality high.
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John Fosselman says they've been using this blend for 70 years.
"We've tried every other alternative — cold brew and different brewing techniques — but the best way to nail it is the freeze-dried that we use," he said.
The best way to experience Fosselman's
Photo of Fosselman's ice cream sundae
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Courtesy Grace Fosselman
)
Sample all the flavors you want or ask their clerks for their favorites.
If you aren't in the mood for just ice cream, John suggests a malt, shake or even a hot fudge sundae.
Shop details:
A fleet of Fosselman's Ice Cream cars and drivers.
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Courtesy Grace Fosselman
)
- Originally founded in Iowa in 1919, the family came to California’s San Gabriel Valley in 1924.
- What started as a wholesale dairy company was mostly shuttered in the 1970s when the family shifted attention to their ice cream shop in Alhambra.
- In 2019, as they reached their centennial, they opened The Ice Cream Shop in Glendora.
- John and Chris, both third-generation Fosselmans, have led the shops’ operations for 40 years.
Flavors we tried
- Fresh Peach
- Coffee & Cookies
- Cookie Monster
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
- Watermelon Sorbet
How to visit
Fosselman's Ice Cream Co.
- Address: 1824 W Main St., Alhambra
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cost: A single scoop is $4.50, a double scoop is $6.50, and a triple scoop is $7.75.
The Ice Cream Shop
- Address: 180 N. Glendora Ave., Ste. 101, Glendora
- Hours: Monday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. | Friday from noon to 10 p.m. | Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. |Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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