Superior Dairy, a beloved small-town institution in Hanford, California, known for its nostalgic charm and enormous scoops of ice cream, is officially on the market after 95 years of family ownership. The ice cream parlor, famous throughout Central California, is listed for $2.5 million, sparking interest from both locals and potential buyers.
The sale marks a significant moment for the business, which has been a staple in Hanford since it first opened its doors in 1929. With its retro pink-seated soda fountain, tin ceiling, and classic sundaes, the shop has drawn generations of loyal customers. Despite its dining room remaining closed since the pandemic, Superior Dairy has continued to operate with take-away orders.
A ‘Unicorn’ on the Market
Real estate agent Ryan Portugal, who is managing the sale, described the opportunity as a rare find. “It’s like a unicorn coming on the market,” he said. Portugal, who once managed Superior Dairy in the late 2000s, has already received a flood of inquiries about the property.
“It’s been non-stop since we listed it,” Portugal shared. The $2.5 million asking price includes not just the name and business, but also the 7,703-square-foot building in downtown Hanford, all equipment, and the historic recipes that have made Superior Dairy a household name.
Superior Dairy’s Rich History
Superior Dairy was founded by F. Judson Bowden in 1929 as a milk distribution company that also produced butter, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and whipping cream. Over time, it became best known for its ice cream, which is still made on-site using a decades-old recipe developed at UC Davis.
By the 2000s, the creamery was producing 78,000 gallons of ice cream annually, with 10 flavors crafted in small batches of 10 gallons at a time. Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, Portugal confirmed that the ice cream is still made in-house today.
Throughout its long history, Superior Dairy has been more than just an ice cream shop—it’s been a regional icon. The restaurant became a popular stop for Amtrak passengers on the San Joaquin Line, located just a short walk from the Hanford train station. Even singer-songwriter John Mellencamp paid a visit in 2004 while filming a music video in town.
A Tragic Turning Point
This sale will be the first time Superior Dairy has changed hands outside of the Bowden family. The current owner, Tim Jones, inherited the business from his grandfather and had been running it with his sister, Susan Wing, until her sudden and tragic death in 2017. Wing was killed in an accident while crossing the street to assist a neighbor during a medical emergency.
Wing’s death marked a difficult moment for the family, but her legacy lives on. She was married into another prominent Hanford restaurant family, the Wings, who operated well-known establishments such as the Golden Pagoda and Imperial Dynasty.
Legacy Buyers Sought
As Superior Dairy goes up for sale, the Bowden family is seeking a buyer who is not only interested in continuing the business but is also dedicated to preserving its rich legacy. In the official announcement of the sale, Jones emphasized that maintaining the tradition of quality and service is of paramount importance.
“Of primary consideration is a new owner who will continue the Superior Dairy legacy and deliver the quality products that our great and loyal customers have come to know and expect since 1929,” Jones said in his statement.
Portugal echoed these sentiments, saying the ideal buyer would be someone committed to carrying on the tradition for another 95 years. “There’s a lot of potential for the building, but we’re really hoping the ice cream shop continues,” Portugal added.
A Timeless Appeal
As interest grows around the sale, Portugal remains optimistic about the future of Superior Dairy. He recalls a phrase often repeated by the late Susan Wing: “Even in bad times, people love ice cream.” That timeless appeal is what keeps the legacy of Superior Dairy alive, and with the right buyer, it may continue to serve massive scoops and cherished memories for generations to come.
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