Established 1979
Offering Homemade Ice Cream to Modesto for over 30 years.
Diane’s Homemade Ice Cream. Ice Cream that Warms the Heart.
The Ice Cream Company was first opened in 1979 when Century Center was brand new. It has always been family owned and operated. Though there have always been sandwiches and other foods offered, the star is the ice cream. Handmade, small batch ice cream is made right in our shop. Recipes are tried and tested and only the best are made and served to the public. The base is also locally made at Crystal Creamery and is the best way to start a delicious, full dairy ice cream. A few years ago, non dairy sorbets in delicious unique flavors were also added. With the kind of community support and following it has, Ice Cream Company will be serving up great food and ice cream for many more years to come.
Ice Cream Company is currently owned by Bonnie and Corey Acree. Bonnie was 15 when she had a birthday party and a colossal ice cream sundae called The LaPalooza at The Ice Cream Company. She has fond memories of hanging out with friends, and together Bonnie and Corey have created new family memories with their two children, Sherah and James. It was a place to celebrate events, both large and small. A good grade, a sunny day, friends that were cancer free, double date nights and even their daughter Sherah’s 15th birthday was celebrated there, carrying on the family tradition. When a friend posted on Facebook that their favorite local shop was closing in 2011, they knew they needed more information. After purchasing the business in spring of 2012, they made some much needed repairs and updates and were open again by March 1.
They soon realized the Ice Cream Company was the perfect job for those with little to no experience, and they enjoyed seeing their employees grow and move on to their next endeavor. During this time, they discovered their passion to help others become employable. By 2018, with advice from friends, the Acree’s decided to start a nonprofit: Enrich and Employ. This would better equip them to train those with barriers to employment.
There have been several success stories already. One very special team member is Diane, Bonnie’s sister with Down Syndrome. Saying that Diane loves her job is an understatement. She wants to go every day. Excited about the part that she plays on the team, she tells everyone the tasks that she accomplishes and all of the people she was able to see.
So if you are craving real handmade ice cream, come on in and say hi! You’ll understand quickly that this is no ordinary ice cream shop. This is a place to create family memories, celebrate good times, and grow valuable job skills. Thank you all for your support!
Bob Mauk created the circus train in 1986 and added the full track, two mountain tunnel fronts, and the pump car in 1989 for the first owners of the Ice Cream Company, the Biehl Family. He has done many wooden themed murals in restaurants, private homes, and other businesses in California and the western states. Many of these murals were train themes up to sixteen feet and more in length.
All the designs are original and all the characters are hand carved. Bob takes pride in the fact that all his designs are original and are never repeated. He also likes to “brainstorm” with clients like the Acrees, the present owners of the Ice Cream Company, to come up with the theme of the design he is going to create.
Bob is a retired science and art teacher who has been a wood sculptor artist for forty years. He is now an artist and contractor full time. He has three children and two grandchildren.