Marianne's Ice Cream

About the Business

Specialties

Ice Cream, Sundaes, Ice Cream Novelties, and Milk Shakes

History

Established in 1947.

Marianne's started with a humble proposition-- make great ice cream. Lenore & Tom Becker named the little shop for their daughters Mary and Anne. They didn't dream 70 years later it would be a Santa Cruz institution. In 1958, Sam & Dorothy Lieberman took over the little ice cream parlor and, inspired by the quality of locally ingredients and his own sense of fun, Sam invented flavors like Blue Bubble Gum, Alice B Toklas Fudge Brownie, Watermelon Sherbet, Cantaloupe, and Sam's Special Rum Raisin. Sam created 250 recipes and expanded the offering to 75. Sam and Dorothy worked into their 80's before retiring. Kelly Dillon & Charlie Wilcox were taught Sam's secret techniques after being hand-picked to carry on the tradition. Charlie & Kelly's work, love and sense of humor are evident in the experience. Charlie notes, "Marianne's quality commitment means we can't make as much ice cream as the big guys. That's okay, because it's special. It's Marianne's. And it's just the way we do it."