How A Family In Ohio & A French Pot Became America's Oldest Family-Owned & Operated Ice Cream Maker

Forbes

19-07-2025

Selection Of Ice Cream From Graeter's
While most of the Midwest region (and the United States in general) was grappling with industrialization and the evolving social dynamics of the Reconstruction Era, in 1870, a young Louis Greater dared to do something that many would call revolutionary and bold. He took to the streets of Cincinnati with two carts in tow, to sell handcrafted ice cream churned just two gallons at a time with a now-antiquated French pot.
Snapshot Of The Graeter's Factory Circa 1960
Today, 155 years later, the Graeter name still resonates in the ice-cream industry, a testament to the enduring legacy of the family. The business is now in the capable hands of fourth- and fifth-generation relatives, who continue to uphold the traditions and values set by Louis and Regina Graeter.
First Comes Ice Cream, Then Comes Love
As the old saying goes, 'behind every great man is a great woman.' However, in the case of Louis Graeter, his wife, Regina, was not just a supportive figure in the background. After their marriage in 1900, the couple relocated their ice cream business to a storefront location, where they both played active roles: manufacturing the ice cream in the back and selling it from the front.
Regina Graeter and Children
In 1920, after a few decades of marriage and co-running a business with her husband, Regina found herself a widow with two children and an ice cream shop to run. With the odds stacked against them, Regina persevered despite the barriers and struggles set before her. She faced difficulties, gender discrimination, societal expectations, and the loss of her husband. Yet, she managed to expand the empire, opening another location and setting the precedent for what Graeter's has become today. Over the years, they continued to grow, sharing a small joy and luxury with people during tragic times in our nation's history, such as the Great Depression and even during World War II. Remarkably, despite the sugar shortage that followed World War II, they were able to maintain production.
Ice Cream That Was Perfect From The Start, Crafted in Small-Batch French Pots
Inside The Graeter's Factory Circa 1970
In any business, it's easy to get caught up in what competitors are doing to wipe them out or stay relevant. Despite ongoing changes in the industry, such as factories becoming more modern or cutting costs, Regina and her children were firm that there was only one way to stay ahead: continuing to make ice cream in small-batch French Pots. This old-world method, long forgotten, produces 2 ½ gallons at a time, making it the industry's smallest batch size. Over the course of 155 years, the process has remained largely unchanged.
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month (And Day) With Graeter's
They may be producing in small batches, but there's big flavor in every scoop. There are 34 flavors available (16 of which use decadent chocolate chips), ranging from Oregon Strawberry to S'mores, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and Dark Chocolate Brownie. There's also a range of seasonal flavors like Key Lime Pie, Pineapple Passion Fruit, and Peach. If you love sorbet, treat yourself to a delightful scoop of mango, lemon, or raspberry!
Graeter's Bourbon Ball Ice Cream
Since July is celebrated as National Ice Cream Month, and Sunday, July 20, marks National Ice Cream Day, Graeter's is excited to offer a special sweet deal for everyone to enjoy! They are offering 10% off online orders from now through July 20 with code ICTREAT10. Plus, they are also offering an in-store promo of $1.55 single-dip sugar cones for Graeter's Sweet Rewards Loyalty members from July 18-20.
Scoop Of Graeter's Ice Cream
Currently, Graeter's has 56 locations and is available in many grocery stores across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. But fret not. If you're not in the region, the delicious small-batch ice cream can be shipped directly to your doorstep via their website or Goldbelly.