Borden's Ice Cream facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe |
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The building pictured in 2010
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| General information | |
| Type | Ice cream parlor |
| Address | Johnston Street |
| Town or city | Lafayette, Louisiana |
| Country | United States |
| Opened | 1940 |
| Owner | Lerille Family |
Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe is a historic ice cream parlor located on Johnston Street in Lafayette, Louisiana. It was built in 1940 to sell delicious Borden ice creams. This special shop is known for its old-fashioned charm and has been a favorite spot for generations of families.
A Sweet Piece of History
For many years, Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe was owned by the Levy family. In 1981, Flora Levy, who had owned the shop, passed away. In her will, she left the ice cream parlor to the Foundation of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The Foundation then owned the building. They rented it out to the manager who continued to run the business. This helped support the university.
New Owners, Same Great Tradition
In May 2009, the University of Louisiana Lafayette Foundation sold the ice cream shop. The new owner was Red Lerille, who also owns a popular health club in Lafayette. Red Lerille bought the shop because he wanted to keep this local favorite alive. He believes in supporting small, family-run businesses.
Red Lerille had plans to make some small updates to the building. These included adding a drive-through window and outdoor seating. His daughter, Kackie Lerille, took over managing the store. Red Lerille mentioned that Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe is actually the very last Borden's retail ice cream shop in the entire United States!
Keeping the Old-Fashioned Experience Alive
Ella Mae Meaux, who worked at the parlor for 48 years, shared how important the shop is. She said that many families have visited Borden's for its classic ice cream parlor feel. The sale to the Lerille family meant that this special experience could continue for many more years. The money from the sale of the building also went into a special fund. This fund helps to continue the annual Flora Levy Lecture Series at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.
