Ice Cream Parlors

An ice cream parlor is a shop where patrons can consume purchased ice cream on the premises. Ice cream parlors have been closely associated with the soda fountain and confectionary shop. Like those, they tend to have brightly lit, fancy interiors. Ice cream parlors originated in the 17th century in Europe. Today, one can find ice cream parlors all over the world.

The first Parisian café, Le Procope, owned by an Italian immigrant, Sicilian Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, began serving ice cream when it opened in 1686. It also set the fashion for ice cream parlor decoration with its marble-topped tables and brightly lit, mirrored interior. In the 18th century, fashionable confectioners in London, such as Gunter’s Tea Shop, served ice cream to female customers in ...