Hanford, California — A beloved local institution, Superior Dairy, is up for sale after nearly 95 years of serving enormous sundaes and creating lasting memories for generations of customers. Located in Hanford, California, the family-owned ice cream parlor has been a staple of the community since 1929, offering its signature homemade ice cream in classic flavors such as Rocky Road, Maple Nut, and Strawberry Freeze. Now, the business is listed for $2.5 million, marking the end of an era.
The decision to sell the historic parlor comes after a series of personal tragedies and the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Susan Bowden, a key figure in the business, tragically passed away in a car accident seven years ago. Her brother, Tim Bowden, who had been planning to retire at the time, was further confirmed in his decision by her sudden death. Just earlier this month, the family faced another heartbreaking loss with the passing of Susan’s husband, Ernie Wing.
“It’s bittersweet, but they have decided it’s time to find the next owners who will carry on the tradition for another 95 years,” said Ryan Portugal, a local realtor handling the sale. Portugal noted the overwhelming interest in the property, with calls pouring in within hours of the listing’s release.
Superior Dairy is being sold as a “going concern,” meaning that the new owner will take over not only the property but also the dairy and restaurant operations. This includes the opportunity to continue producing the ice cream on-site, a tradition that has been in place since the shop first opened. The recipes for the iconic ice cream flavors, passed down through the generations, are part of the sale as well.
Since the 1920s, Superior Dairy’s ice cream has been made in the back of the shop in old-fashioned 10-gallon batches. In addition to sundaes, the parlor serves milkshakes, floats, and banana splits, all of which have contributed to its longstanding popularity.
Despite the outpouring of interest from potential buyers, the Bowden family has expressed a strong preference for keeping the business local. “It would be a disservice to change too much,” Portugal explained. “You’re buying it for its old-fashioned charm and its beloved recipes.” He added that it’s likely the new owner will continue producing ice cream on-site, at least in the near future.
Superior Dairy has garnered celebrity fans over the years, including Journey’s lead singer Steve Perry, who grew up in the area, as well as musicians Vince Gill and Aaron Tippin. However, the parlor’s real strength lies in its local connections. For decades, the Bowden family has employed local youth, creating a loyal community following. Ryan Portugal, for example, began working at the parlor at age 12, eventually becoming a part-time employee through college and later assisting with marketing efforts.
“I’ve come full circle,” Portugal said. “Now I’m selling the place, and it’s bittersweet for me too.”
Despite fears from the community about the parlor’s future, Portugal remains hopeful that the business will stay in local hands. “There have been some concerns, but most of the interest has been from within the Central Valley. A lot of people want to preserve it,” he said.
As the news of the sale spread, heartbroken customers expressed their sadness. “I’ve eaten ice cream all over the world, and this is better than it gets,” said one longtime patron. Another customer reflected on the importance of the parlor to the community: “It’s tradition. I hope they can find someone who loves it as much as the community does.”
For now, the future of Superior Dairy remains uncertain, but its legacy as a cherished local landmark is secure—at least for the time being. The search for the next owner continues, with the hope that the parlor will remain a beloved fixture in Hanford for generations to come.
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