Our Story – A Classic Ice Cream Stand Since 1951

Vintage Merla-Mae Ice Cream stand with neon sign and 1950s cars

Real Ice Cream

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#MerlaMae

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Quality Ingredients

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Forever Cool

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#MerlaMemories

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Timeless Experiences

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Real Ice Cream | #MerlaMae | Quality Ingredients | Forever Cool | #MerlaMemories | Timeless Experiences |

Merla-Mae Ice Cream has been serving customers since 1951, becoming a beloved destination for soft-serve and sundaes. The Merla-Mae name was officially trademarked in 1957, cementing its place as one of the longest-running ice cream shops in the country.

What Sets Merla-Mae Ice Cream Apart?

From day one, Merla-Mae has proudly used real ingredients and fresh dairy to craft every cone. Our signature soft-serve is made on the spot — not flash-frozen — to deliver that smooth, creamy texture you can only get from an old-fashioned ice cream stand. Add in our retro charm, nostalgic flavors, and a legacy of handcrafted sundaes, and it’s no wonder customers keep coming back generation after generation.

Time Passes, but Merla-Mae Ice Cream is forever cool…

#MerlaMae Through the Years – Featured in Fashion, Media & Culture

From retro clothing catalogs to modern fashion shoots, Merla-Mae has served as the perfect backdrop for brands, artists, and photographers. Our timeless design, nostalgic menu, and iconic storefront continue to inspire generations — both on film and in person.

1990s clothing catalog photo taken at Merla-Mae Ice Cream window

Unnamed Clothing Catalog (1990s)

Fashion shoot at Merla-Mae featuring model wearing Illbury & Goose clothing
Elizabeth Noel fashion shoot with two girls in pastel dresses at Merla-Mae

Fashion trends may change, but our handmade soft-serve ice cream and retro vibes remain timeless.

Merla-Mae in the Media – Articles, Music, and Cultural Features

Over the decades, Merla-Mae has appeared in articles, news segments, music spotlights, and community stories. From launching music careers to becoming the backdrop of short films, our story continues to grow. Want to contribute? Send us your article, photo, or feature to info@merlamae.com.

Vintage newspaper article featuring two women enjoying ice cream at Merla-Mae during a summer heatwave

Where It All Began – The Essentials Music Group & Merla-Mae

The Essentials music group performing on stage — a cappella quartet that began at Merla-Mae Ice Cream

The Essentials are a celebrated a cappella group that got their start singing in the Merla-Mae parking lot. Their sound, shaped by community and connection, grew from local performances to national recognition.

Did you know? Their album Nothing But Blue tied with Eminem’s release on the Toronto Top 40 in September 2010 — proving sweet harmonies and soft serve go hand in hand.

Merla-Mae on Screen – Featured in Tree Streets Short Film

This independent short film captured real moments in the neighborhood, with Merla-Mae playing a starring role in its nostalgic summer scenes.