Borden's Ice Cream
Borden's Ice Cream is an historic ice cream parlor on Johnston Street in Lafayette, Louisiana, which was built in 1940. In 1981, the then owner, lifelong Lafayette resident Flora Levy, died. Her will stipulated a large bequest to the University of Louisiana Lafayette's Foundation; the ice cream parlor was part of that bequest. The Foundation held title to the building, and rented the space to the manager who continued to operate the business. The building had been passed down from generation to generation in the Levy family; Flora had received it from her mother.
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| Private | |
| Industry | Ice cream parlor |
| Founded | 1941 |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 1 |
Area served | Lafayette and surrounding area |
Key people | Wayne Tucker Red Lerille Flora Levy UL Foundation Ella Mae Meaux Kackie Lerille |
| Products | Ice Cream, Sundaes, Milkshakes, Frappes |
| Owner | Red Lerille |
In May 2009 the Foundation sold the store to Lafayette Red's health club owner Red Lerille, who bought the property with the intention of keeping the local icon alive in Lafayette. Lerille plans to slightly renovate the building, adding a drive through window and outdoor seating. Lerille's daughter Kackie Lerille will manage the store. Lerille was quoted[1] as saying that he is interested in mom-and-pop type businesses like the ice cream store. "I believe it is the American way, but it is dying fast. This location is actually the last Borden’s retail ice cream shop in the United States. It is a Lafayette tradition and my daughter and I fully intend to bring it back to its original state." Ella Mae Meaux—who had worked in the parlor for 48 years by the time it was sold to the Lerille Family—said, "Generations of family have come to Borden's for the old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience. This sale to the Lerilles ensures families will be able to continue with this experience for many years to come."
Business management
Borden's had been run by General Manager Wayne Tucker. The business had rented the building from the ULL Foundation, with the rent being used to fund the annual Flora Levy Lecture Series at the University. The proceeds from the sale of the building will also be placed in a trust to continue that lecture series.