Our Story — A Classic Ice Cream Stand Since 1951
Merla-Mae Ice Cream has been serving generations since 1951. What began as a simple neighborhood ice cream stand quickly became a local tradition — a place where summer nights, first dates, and family memories all seemed to happen over soft-serve cones and sundaes.
Over the decades, Merla-Mae has stayed true to what made it special from the beginning: real ingredients, handmade ice cream, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels just as familiar today as it did generations ago.
We’re proud to still serve ice cream the old-fashioned way — made fresh, enjoyed outdoors, and shared with the people who matter most.
The Evolution of Merla-Mae
From our earliest storefront to today, Merla-Mae has grown alongside the community — evolving with the times while keeping the same spirit that made us a local favorite from the start.
Merla-Mae in Style & Culture
Over the years, Merla-Mae has been featured in articles, local news stories, music spotlights, and community highlights. From supporting emerging artists to appearing in cultural features, our story continues to be shared in ways we never expected — and are always grateful for.
If you’ve come across Merla-Mae in print, online, or in a story worth sharing, we’d love to hear about it.
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Featured in Media & Music
Merla-Mae has been featured in articles, music projects, and cultural coverage that celebrate its role beyond ice cream. From hosting free outdoor concerts to supporting local artists and musicians, the stand has long been a gathering place where community and creativity come together.
These moments — captured in print, on screen, and through music — reflect the spirit of Merla-Mae: open, welcoming, and deeply connected to the neighbourhood. The same tradition of live music and community events continues today, keeping the experience just as vibrant as ever.
The Essentials are a celebrated a cappella group that got their start singing in the Merla-Mae parking lot during community concerts. What began as local performances grew into national recognition, rooted in the same neighbourhood spirit that defines Merla-Mae.
Their album Nothing But Blue reached the Toronto Top 40 in September 2010 — a reminder that some of the best things start small, shared, and close to home.
Merla-Mae on Screen
Merla-Mae has also found its way onto the screen, appearing in independent films and creative projects that capture real moments in the neighborhood.
These stories reflect what Merla-Mae has always been about — community, connection, and the simple joy of ice cream shared on a summer night.
Part of Your Story? We’d Love to See It
#MerlaMae has been part of so many memories — first jobs, first dates, summer traditions, and everything in between. If you have a photo, story, or memory tied to Merla-Mae, we’d love to hear it.
Whether it’s a throwback photo, a recent visit, or a moment you’ve never forgotten, your stories help keep our history alive.