Four generations. One family. A whole lot of ice cream.
For over 100 years, Fosselman's has delighted taste buds with a simple but powerful philosophy: hand-make the most delicious ice cream using only the finest ingredients.
A century of scoops
A brewery becomes an ice cream company
In Waverly, Iowa, C.A. Fosselman — beer and soda pop entrepreneur and youngest son of a German-immigrant brewmaster — tastes ice cream for the first time at a bottling convention in Toronto. He loved that it was an affordable treat the whole family could enjoy, and Fosselman's Ice Cream Company was born.
Westward to sunny Pasadena
With mechanical refrigeration promising year-round sales, C.A. moves his young family and business to California. From the Fair Oaks production facility, Fosselman's grows to include home delivery of milk and butter across the San Gabriel Valley — with large continuous freezers and a fleet of 20+ delivery trucks at its peak.
Weathering the Depression
Like many across the country, Fosselman's falls on hard times. C.A. sells the Pasadena plant and home-delivery business and establishes the retail store at the Alhambra factory.
The second generation
C.A.'s sons Jim, Bill and Bob take over. Jim runs the Alhambra store and makes the ice cream, Bill runs the South Pasadena restaurant and Bob the Highland Park restaurant. Fosselman's becomes a local favorite and consistent medal-winner at the Los Angeles County Fair.
Home base: Alhambra
As economic times grow challenging, the company consolidates its soda fountain and restaurant locations into the retail store in Alhambra — where it still scoops today.
The third generation
Jim and Bill sell their ownership to Chris and John, who run Fosselman's alongside their father Bob.
Wholesale takes off
Chris and John pivot toward wholesale and foodservice. Small-batch, customizable ice cream quickly becomes a darling of Southern California's high-end restaurants.
Soft serve debut
Fosselman's introduces premium soft serve, custard and the Milkshake Master shake mix — made with Real California Milk.
100 years of delicious
A century after its founding, Fosselman's remains famous for innovative flavors that reflect the evolving heritage of Southern California.
Third-generation owners
Brothers Chris and John Fosselman have run the company since 1989 — and still live just up the road in Pasadena.
Christian "Chris" Fosselman
An avid sports fan with a passion for horseracing, ocean sports and coaching Little League. Chris and his wife Anna have three children.
John Fosselman
John loves travel, food and wine — and channels his passion for cooking into developing new and exotic flavors. He serves on the Board of Five Acres, supporting at-risk children.
Locally sourced. The best of California.
rBST-free dairy
Real California Milk from a 100+ year-old family-owned dairy.
Tahitian vanilla
From a third-generation California family company — partners for 60+ years.
Dutch chocolate
Made by one of California's oldest and finest chocolatiers.
No preservatives
Small batches, 16% butterfat, made on the premises — the way ice cream should taste.