Loard’s Ice Cream and Candies

Loard’s Ice Cream and Candies is a Bay Area institution with a history that stretches back to 1950, when Walter Loard opened the first shop in Oakland. The brand quickly became a neighborhood favorite, serving classic, house-made ice cream and handmade candies in a welcoming, retro-inspired setting. By the 1970s, Loard’s had established a strong presence throughout the East Bay, earning a reputation for its nostalgic parlor experience and commitment to traditional recipes.

As of November 2025, Loard’s operates 13 locations across Northern California, with the majority found in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The company continues to focus on its core ice cream parlor format, offering a broad selection of flavors, sundaes, and candies. Its signature pink-and-white décor and old-fashioned ambiance remain central to the brand’s identity, attracting families and multi-generational customers.

Over the past five years, Loard’s has maintained a steady and measured approach to growth. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, the company selectively opens new stores in established, family-oriented neighborhoods within the Bay Area. This conservative strategy has helped Loard’s preserve its reputation for quality and consistency while providing stability for shopping centers and retail corridors. The brand operates a mix of company-owned and franchised stores, and remains independent with no parent company or recent acquisition activity.

Loard’s enduring popularity and loyal customer base make it a reliable anchor for neighborhood retail centers, especially in markets that value tradition and community connection. The company’s careful expansion posture and proven operating model offer credibility and long-term stability for landlords and developers seeking established, community-focused tenants.