Gunther’s Ice Cream stands as a beloved culinary landmark that has delighted generations of locals since 1940. Located at 2801 Franklin Boulevard, this iconic ice cream shop has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition for nearly eight decades, becoming an essential part of Sacramento’s cultural landscape. While many businesses have come and gone, Gunther’s has remained steadfast, serving up scoops of nostalgia alongside its famously rich ice cream.
A Legacy of Creamy Perfection Since the 1940s
What sets Gunther’s apart from commercial brands is their unwavering dedication to their original 1940s recipe, which features a higher percentage of butterfat cream. This traditional approach results in an exceptionally smooth, creamy texture that has become the signature of Gunther’s ice cream. The establishment’s longevity isn’t merely a testament to its significance but to the quality that continues to attract new customers while maintaining a loyal following among Sacramento residents who have made visits to Gunther’s a family tradition.
As a Sacramento institution approaching its 80th anniversary, Gunther’s Ice Cream has built its reputation on consistency and quality. The shop’s time-honored ice-cream making process has remained largely unchanged since its founding days, preserving flavors that have become woven into the memories of multiple generations. This connection to Sacramento’s past has transformed Gunther’s from a simple ice cream parlor into a community gathering place where locals celebrate milestones, create traditions, and introduce newcomers to an authentic taste of the city’s heritage.
Butterfat Rich, Flavor Deep
The distinctive higher butterfat content in Gunther’s ice cream creates a rich, velvety experience that commercial alternatives simply can’t match. This commitment to premium ingredients has earned Gunther’s a special place in Sacramento’s culinary scene. Beyond just serving desserts, the shop has become a cultural touchstone—a place where grandparents bring grandchildren to experience the same flavors they enjoyed in their youth. This intergenerational appeal has cemented Gunther’s status not just as a business but as a living piece of Sacramento history that continues to thrive today.
Flavors That Follow the Seasons
Gunther’s extensive menu offers something for every palate, with their rotating selection of specialty ice cream flavors keeping customers coming back throughout the seasons. July brings the highly anticipated Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream, a summer favorite that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh blueberries with the rich creaminess of cheesecake.
Beyond their traditional scoops, Gunther’s has expanded their offerings to include creative flavor combinations that appeal to both purists and adventurous eaters alike, all while maintaining the high-quality standards that have defined their brand for decades.
Beyond ice cream, Gunther’s has diversified its menu to include popular items like their Real Fruit Freezes, made with genuine fruit in various flavors, with the option to add a middle layer of Gunther’s ice cream for their famous “50/50” combination. Their handmade ice cream cakes and pies have become staples at Sacramento celebrations, bringing Gunther’s experience home for special occasions.
Embracing modern convenience without sacrificing tradition, the shop now offers online ordering options, allowing loyal customers to secure their favorite treats with ease while introducing a new generation of Sacramento residents to this enduring local treasure.
Crafted With Care for Every Occasion
The Real Fruit Freezes have become a signature offering at Gunther’s, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream, especially during Sacramento’s hot summer months. Made with genuine fruit rather than artificial syrups, these freezes deliver an authentic flavor experience that complements their classic ice cream offerings. The popular 50/50 option—which sandwiches a layer of Gunther’s premium ice cream between two layers of fruit freeze—has become a customer favorite, offering the perfect balance of creamy decadence and fruity refreshment in a single serving.
Gunther’s commitment to craftsmanship extends to their handmade ice cream cakes and pies, which have become centerpieces at countless Sacramento celebrations. Each cake and pie features their original recipe ice cream, carefully assembled and decorated by skilled staff who take pride in creating desserts worthy of special occasions.
While maintaining these traditions, Gunther’s has successfully adapted to changing consumer preferences by implementing convenient online ordering systems. This blend of quality with modern service options ensures that Gunther’s will remain relevant and accessible to Sacramento residents for generations to come.
