Leopold's Ice Cream

What Leopold's Ice Cream does

Leopold's Ice Cream is a family-owned, super-premium ice cream producer and retailer founded in 1919 by three Greek brothers in Savannah, Georgia. The company operates a vertically integrated ice cream business centered on a single manufacturing facility at 502 E. 37th Street in Savannah, where all products are hand-crafted in small batches using original secret recipes unchanged since 1919, including signature flavors such as Tutti Frutti and Lemon Custard. The product line spans more than 30 super-premium ice cream flavors (including vegan and gluten-free options), traditional soda-fountain treats, specialty hot beverages, and freshly baked pastries, sold through a multi-channel structure.

The company monetizes through four primary channels: (1) direct retail at four company-owned locations, including the flagship Broughton Street parlor in downtown Savannah, a Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport shop and kiosk, and the newest Whitemarsh Island store; (2) nationwide direct-to-consumer shipping via FedEx with a 5-pint minimum at $13.00 per pint; (3) wholesale distribution to a network of 40+ retail partners including hotels, restaurants, universities, and convenience stores; and (4) event catering featuring vintage ice cream carts and uniformed soda-jerk staff. A diversified revenue stream also includes branded merchandise (apparel, HF Coors-manufactured bowls, mugs, ornaments, and a Centennial Book), corporate gifting, and a Girl Scout package program. Pricing is fully transparent and unit-based across all channels.

The business is currently led by Stratton Leopold, son of original founder Peter Leopold and a former Paramount Pictures executive, who maintains active involvement in operations. The company has no external investors, no parent organization, and no disclosed funding, remaining entirely privately held by the Leopold family. Operating geographies are concentrated in the Savannah metropolitan area for retail and wholesale, with nationwide reach achieved exclusively through the direct shipping channel. The company has received multiple recent recognitions including the 2024 SBA Award, the 2024 Best of Georgia ribbon, the 2025 RCA Badge, and a 2025 Today Show feature.

Name

Leopold's Ice Cream

Legal name

Leopold's Ice Cream

Website

https://leopoldsicecream.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Leopold's Ice Cream is a 1919-founded, family-owned super-premium ice cream parlor in Savannah, Georgia, operating four retail locations, nationwide direct shipping, wholesale distribution to 40+ partners, and event catering for local consumers, tourists, and businesses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Ice Cream

NAICS

Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520), Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152)

SIC

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024)

akta.pro primary industry

Ice Cream, Frozen Desserts & Novelties Manufacturing (AFAKAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ice Cream & Gelato Shops (THAFAGAA), Ice Cream & Refrigerated Desserts (CRADACAE), Ice Cream (Hard Pack) Manufacturing (AFAHAEAA)

Keywords

• Artisan ice cream
• Ice cream parlor
• Soda fountain service
• Wholesale ice cream
• Event catering services

Headquarters

HQ city

Savannah

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. In-Store Retail Sales: Direct retail sales of ice cream, fountain drinks, and pastries at company-owned parlor locations including flagship store, airport shop, and airport kiosk.
2. Nationwide Ice Cream Shipping: Direct-to-consumer shipping of super-premium ice cream pints to customers nationwide via FedEx. Five-pint minimum order requirement.
3. Wholesale Distribution: Bulk ice cream sales to retail partners including restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and retail stores through wholesale program.
4. Catering Services: Event catering with vintage ice cream carts, uniformed staff, and ice cream products for weddings, corporate events, festivals, and community events.
5. Merchandise Sales: Branded merchandise including apparel, mugs, bowls, ornaments, lapel pins, and books sold both in-store and online.
6. Fundraising Program: Donation of ice cream, gift certificates, coupons, and merchandise to qualifying nonprofit organizations for fundraising events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Leopold's Ice Cream produces hand-crafted super-premium ice cream in small batches using original secret recipes dating back to 1919, manufactured at a facility in Savannah, Georgia. The company sells ice cream through company-owned retail parlors (including a flagship downtown store, airport locations, and an island location), nationwide direct-to-consumer shipping, wholesale distribution to 40+ retail partners, and event catering. Additional offerings include branded merchandise, corporate gifting programs, and a Girl Scout patch program.

Product overview

Leopold's Ice Cream is a super-premium ice cream parlor founded in 1919, operating as a single-brand, multi-service food business with its flagship location in historic downtown Savannah, Georgia. The core product is hand-crafted super-premium ice cream offered in over 30 flavors (including regular and vegan options), sold in-store by the scoop, by the pint for nationwide shipping, and through fountain treats. The business operates three retail parlors and an airport kiosk, supplemented by a nationwide direct-to-consumer shipping service (5-pint minimum), catering services for events, and a wholesale program supplying retail partners. The merchandise line includes branded apparel, collectibles, kitchenware, and commemorative items. The company also provides corporate gifting, fundraising support, and Girl Scout programs. All ice cream is manufactured in Savannah using original secret recipes and traditional techniques.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Super-Premium Hand-Packed Ice Cream Pints Hand-crafted super-premium ice cream made in small batches at the Savannah manufacturing facility using original secret recipes from 1919. Available in regular and vegan varieties, sold by the pint with a minimum 5-pint order for nationwide shipping.
• In-Store Scoop Service In-store scoop sizes including Single Scoop, Double Scoop, and Child's Scoop served in cones or cups at company-owned parlor locations.
• Soda Fountain Menu Items

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

48 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ace HardwareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner selling Leopold's ice cream through Ace Hardware locations.
• Auspicious Baking Co.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBakery partner offering Leopold's ice cream products.
• Big Bon Family PizzaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant partner serving Leopold's ice cream.
• Cambria HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Cohen's RetreatminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner featuring Leopold's ice cream.
• Crab ShackcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured retail partner offering tropical-themed ice cream creations exclusively. Dedicated to providing exceptional culinary experiences aligned with Leopold's commitment to unparalleled ice cream flavors.
• EnMarketcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConvenience store partner selling Leopold's ice cream through EnMarket locations.
• Ford Field & River ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEvent venue partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Georgia Southern UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity partner offering Leopold's ice cream on campus.
• Hampton Inn & Suites MidtownminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Henny Penny CafeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCafe partner serving Leopold's ice cream.
• Hilton Garden InnminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Holiday Inn ExpressminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Home 2 Suites by HiltonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Homewood SuitesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Hotel Indigo ViningsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Hyatt Regency SavannahminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Jimmy Carter Library and MuseumminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMuseum partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Low Country FreshcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive chocolate creation partnership sharing commitment to exceptional quality and flavor with loyal patrons.
• Massie Heritage CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage center partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Memorial HealthminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealthcare partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Nantucket Fish & Meat MarketminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarket partner selling Leopold's ice cream.
• Nine Line ApparelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApparel partner featuring Leopold's ice cream merchandise.
• Oliver BentleysminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Palmetto BluffminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorResort partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Paris MarketminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner featuring Leopold's ice cream.
• Perry Lane HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoutique hotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Red & WhiteminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner selling Leopold's ice cream.
• Red Gate FarmsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFarm venue partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Roly Poly SandwichesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSandwich shop partner serving Leopold's ice cream.
• Savannah BananasminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEntertainment partner featuring Leopold's ice cream at games and events.
• Savannah College of Art & DesignminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity partner offering Leopold's ice cream on campus. Inspiration for Honey Almond and Cream flavor.
• Savannah Convention CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConvention center partner offering Leopold's ice cream at events.
• Savannah Marriott RiverfrontminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• Savannah Taste ExperienceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood tour partner featuring Leopold's ice cream.
• Savannah Visitor's CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVisitor center partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• Serg Takeout KitchenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant partner serving Leopold's ice cream.
• Sorry Charlie'sminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant partner offering Leopold's ice cream.
• SpringHill SuitesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• The Bluff Hotel by HiltonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• The British Pie CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBakery partner featuring Leopold's ice cream.
• The Element Hotel Savannah MidtownminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• The GreyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant partner featuring Leopold's ice cream.
• Tybee Market IGAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrocery store partner selling Leopold's ice cream.
• Vincenzo's PizzeriaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPizzeria partner serving Leopold's ice cream.
• Westin Hotels & ResortsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHotel partner offering Leopold's ice cream to guests.
• HF CoorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for manufacturing Leopold's Ice Cream Bowl. HF Coors is known for commitment to quality and American manufacturing.
• Savannah Bee CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupplier partner providing Savannah Bee honey used in Honey Almond and Cream ice cream flavor.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Blue Bell Creameries: Regional super-premium ice cream manufacturer with strong brand loyalty across the South. Comparable as a heritage Southern ice cream brand with regional concentration.
• Ben & Jerry's: Iconic super-premium ice cream brand owned by Unilever with national grocery presence and scoop shops. Comparable in mission-driven, flavor-rich positioning but with massive distribution.
• Häagen-Dazs: National super-premium ice cream brand owned by Nestlé with broad grocery and scoop shop distribution. Comparable as a super-premium ice cream benchmark but at vastly larger scale.

Direct peers

• Salt & Straw: Artisanal scoop shop chain with DTC pint shipping and unique rotating flavors. Comparable in small-batch craft positioning, premium pricing, and experiential retail.
• Graeter's: Heritage ice cream brand founded in 1870 with scoop shops, wholesale distribution, and pint shipping. Closely comparable as a multi-generational family-owned super-premium ice cream business.
• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Direct artisanal ice cream peer offering small-batch super-premium pints with unique flavors, nationwide DTC shipping, scoop shops, and wholesale distribution. Closely comparable in positioning, product format, and go-to-market model.
• Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: Premium artisanal ice cream with nationwide grocery distribution and DTC shipping. Comparable in flavor-driven differentiation and premium pint pricing.
• Mitchell's Ice Cream: Heritage San Francisco ice cream parlor founded in 1953 with multiple locations and a strong local-tourism brand. Comparable as a multi-decade family-owned premium parlor.
• Bassetts Ice Cream: America's oldest ice cream company (founded 1861) with a flagship Reading Terminal Market parlor in Philadelphia. Comparable as a multi-generational family-owned heritage ice cream parlor.

Emerging players

• Ample Hills Creamery: Brooklyn-based artisanal scoop shop with pint production and shipping. Comparable in craft positioning and urban-tourist customer base, though at smaller scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/leopoldsicecream
• Instagraminstagram.com/leopoldsicecream

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leopold's Ice Cream