When Tom Carvel bought his first ice cream truck, his goal was to make his customers smile. However, with any business venture there are bumps in the road. For Tom, that bump caused a flat tire….literally. Most people might have closed up shop, but Tom Carvel kept right on selling and found a remarkable opportunity. He realized that instead of disliking the softer, melting frozen treats, people wanted more. They enjoyed the creamier, lighter taste. Soft serve ice cream was born. Tom not only invented a new treat but established his first Shoppe right there where his truck broke down. That was the humble start of Carvel…New York’s Favorite Ice Cream.
From one location to more than 400 in 27 states and 5 countries, Carvel guests come back time and time again for our fresh, deliciously fun treats. We are a simple escape from the everyday. You can see it on each person’s face as they take their first taste. That look has pushed us to create and evolve, while concentrating on the handmade, premium ice cream products that set us apart. Our history of ice cream innovation has earned Carvel a place in the American History Museum and the Smithsonian Institute. Most importantly, it has earned Carvel a place in our guests’ hearts.