All across Canada, Shaw's Ice Cream is known for fun and funky flavours — Unicorn Toots, Moose Tracks™, Grammy's Cupboard — but you may not know the charming story of how this classic Canadian ice cream became a household name.
Shaw's Ice Cream goes back to 1948, when it was founded in St. Thomas, Ontario. Proudly family-owned for over 50 years, Shaw's almost didn't make it through 2001, and you nearly missed out on flavours like Polar Eclipse and Betty’s Blueberry Cheesecake.
Courtesy of Shaw's Ice Cream
Enter Kim, Kelly and Kristine — three sisters with a lifelong connection to this homegrown Canadian gem. As teens, the sisters owned and operated a scoop shop proudly serving Shaw's Ice Cream. In 2001, the trio received notice that their beloved supplier was slated to close their doors. Despite having zero experience in manufacturing, their passion for ice cream and a desire to keep the brand alive empowered them to leave university and buy the business. Hard work, dedication and resilience has transformed the brand into the legendary purveyor of sweet treats you know today.
By using 100% Canadian dairy and keeping things in the family, Shaw's Ice Cream is as authentic as ever. Even Grammy's Cupboard is a family affair — inspired by the sisters' actual Grammy and the goodies they would find in her cupboard while visiting.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and many families tucking into bowls of delicious ice cream, it's nice to know this iconic Canadian brand has stayed in the hands of a family keen to keep the magic alive.