For a Sugary Dose of Nostalgia, Swing by Marianne’s for Some of the Best Ice Cream in Northern California

Ice cream is one of the most consumed desserts in the world. It’s easy to understand why, as there are different ways to make it (all delicious, obviously), multitudes of flavors to experiment with, and all kinds of other desserts and food it can be paired with to elevate it beyond a general scoop of ice cream. However, its widespread popularity means that quantity has started taking precedence over quality. Luckily, Marianne’s Ice Cream in Northern California knows that there’s a true craft in making ice cream and that the history and nostalgia behind establishments can add to the customer experience. 

Marianne’s opened on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz, California in 1947. It was first opened by Tom and Lenore Becker, who named their shop after their daughters Mary and Anne and used their income from selling ice cream to fund their daughter’s college tuitions. With Tom and Lenore, the history of the shop started, but when Sam Lieberman took ownership in 1958, the legacy of creativity and fun truly began. He became known as “the man behind the counter” and was fascinated with flavor experimentation and all the local ingredients from Santa Cruz County. He took the shop from 13 daily flavors to over 75, but overall in his time, he created around 250 recipes.

When Sam decided to retire, he wanted to leave his shop to someone who would understand how valuable the fun aspect of ice cream selling was, as well as someone who would appreciate the nostalgia that the community had for Marianne’s. He found this in Kelly Dillon and Charlie Wilcox, who were taught everything from Sam himself and put humor and hard work into everything they made.

Three shops now exist in the county (the original Ocean Street location, one in Aptos, and one near UC Santa Cruz), but they have been careful to stick to their small business roots even with the expansion. In Charlie Wilcox’s words, "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."

Although they might not make as much ice cream as other big-name brands, you can still find them in Bay Area independent grocery stores and in local restaurants. They even have a catering service called SweetSurf for those who want to make their events (weddings, corporate events, parties, etc.) just a touch sweeter. As it happens, the community loves Marianne’s, but so do presidents! In 2023, President Biden came by to inspect storm damage in the area, and Marianne’s ice cream was included in a package of local goods given to the President and his staff, with his favorite flavor (chocolate chip) included. 

Looking for cool new flavors or your favorite classics? Sugar-free scoops? Dairy free? Ice cream sandwiches? Marianne’s has you covered for all occasions, and they deliver! This small business in NorCal knows that generations of families have come through their doors for a reason, and they plan on being open for many future generations to come.