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The Sweet Legacy of Buffalo’s Ice Cream

Updated: Oct 6, 2025

Buffalo’s Ice Cream Roots


Buffalo has long been a city that takes ice cream seriously. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, soda fountains and ice cream parlors were popular gathering spots. Families and friends came together to share a cone, a sundae, or a milkshake.


Western New York companies, including Perry’s Ice Cream (founded in 1918), helped cement Buffalo as a hometown of ice cream pride. Local parlors like Anderson’s and Lake Effect have continued that tradition. Buffalonians don’t just enjoy ice cream; they celebrate it.


For us, shipping Perry’s nationwide isn’t just business. It’s about carrying forward Buffalo’s culture of community, family, and flavor.


Early 20th-century Buffalo ice cream parlor with soda jerks serving families at the counter.
Buffalo’s rich ice cream history began in local parlors and soda fountains, where families gathered to enjoy sundaes and cones.

WWII and the Navy’s Ice Cream Barges


During World War II, ice cream became more than a treat; it was a tool for morale. The U.S. Navy invested in floating ice cream factories to serve sailors fighting across the Pacific.


One converted barge, stationed near the Marshall Islands in 1945, could churn out 10 gallons of ice cream every seven minutes. These barges supplied carriers and battleships with thousands of gallons a day. Sailors received ice cream in cups or sandwiches, often after long operations at sea.


Smiling World War II U.S. Navy sailor holding an ice cream cone on the deck of a naval ship.
During World War II, Navy ice cream barges brought comfort and morale to sailors serving overseas.

For many, a scoop of vanilla or chocolate was a rare comfort. It reminded them of home, family, and what they were fighting for. Ice cream became a symbol of normal life in the middle of a global war.


A Veteran-Run Connection


That history isn’t just interesting; it’s personal. As a veteran-run business, we understand how much the little things matter when you’re far from home.


Just as those WWII barges lifted spirits in the Pacific, we believe a tub of Perry’s can lift spirits today. Ice cream connects generations. It tied Buffalo neighborhoods together a century ago, brought comfort to sailors in 1945, and still brings families together around the table.


Today’s Scoop


Every time we pack a shipment of Perry’s, we’re proud to share more than a product. We’re sharing Buffalo’s tradition and honoring the history of those who served.


From local parlors to naval barges, ice cream has always been about community, comfort, and joy. For us, as veterans, it’s also about carrying forward a legacy of service, one scoop at a time.


The Joy of Sharing Ice Cream


Ice cream is more than just a treat; it’s a way to create memories. Think about the last time you enjoyed a scoop with loved ones. Was it a hot summer day? Or perhaps a cozy winter evening? Each scoop tells a story.


When you share Perry’s Ice Cream, you’re sharing a piece of Buffalo. You’re inviting friends and family to experience the flavors that have been cherished for generations. Whether it’s a classic vanilla or a unique seasonal flavor, there’s something for everyone.


Connecting Through Flavor


At Buffalo Ice Cream by Ennis, we believe in the power of flavor to connect people. Our goal is to make it super easy to get Perry’s Ice Cream delivered anywhere in the U.S. This way, no matter where you are, you can enjoy the tastes of home.


Imagine surprising a friend with a tub of their favorite flavor. Or treating yourself to a nostalgic scoop after a long day. Ice cream has a magical way of bringing smiles and sparking joy.


A Taste of Home


For many, Perry’s Ice Cream is a taste of home. It evokes memories of childhood, family gatherings, and celebrations. We want to help you relive those moments, no matter where life takes you.


When you order from us, you’re not just getting ice cream; you’re getting a slice of Buffalo’s rich history. You’re connecting with the community and celebrating the flavors that have made us who we are.


The Future of Ice Cream


As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue sharing the joy of Perry’s Ice Cream. We’re committed to quality and service, ensuring that every scoop is as delightful as the last.


We invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s celebrate the flavors, the memories, and the connections that ice cream brings. Together, we can keep the spirit of Buffalo alive, one scoop at a time.


In conclusion, ice cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a bridge between generations, a comfort during tough times, and a celebration of community. Let’s keep the tradition alive and enjoy the sweet moments that life has to offer.

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