Every other shop in this famous ice cream chain has closed, and only one still scoops. The survivor sits in Louisiana, inside a building that once worked as a milk-cooling station.
The Library of Congress even documented the place. That’s a lot of attention for a spot that sells banana splits and chili dogs.
The story gets better. A longtime owner left the shop to a university foundation, and a local businessman later bought it to keep the tradition alive. His daughter runs it today.
I love that a family stepped in to protect an ice cream parlor instead of letting it fade away. I can’t imagine a sweeter rescue story. What keeps people pulling up to that neon sign after all these decades?
A Family Rescue Worth Cheering For
Ownership of this shop reads like a relay race. The Levy family ran it for years, and longtime owner Flora Levy made a generous choice in 1981.
She left the property to the University of Louisiana Lafayette Foundation. The foundation held onto it for decades before deciding to sell.
In May 2009, local businessman Red Lerille bought the property and business. His goal was simple and kind: preserve a local landmark and its tradition.
That’s where the title of this article really clicks. A local family saw something worth saving and stepped in before it could slip away.
Today, his daughter Kackie Lerille manages Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe. Keeping things in the family adds a personal touch to the whole operation.
I believe that kind of care shows up in small ways. It’s in the respect for old recipes and the effort to keep the building’s character intact.
Next time you hold a cone here, think about that chain of hands. Several people chose to protect this place, and your treat exists because of those choices.
Jefferson Street Still Has The Old Ice Cream Sign
Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe is at 1103 Jefferson Street in Lafayette, Louisiana, near the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the downtown district. Follow Jefferson Street toward the university-side commercial blocks.
The old-fashioned parlor retains its recognizable Borden’s identity and vintage storefront, making it different from newer dessert chains nearby. Look for the historic ice cream shop on Jefferson Street rather than a separate dairy production facility.
Use permitted customer parking nearby and enter the retail ice cream parlor for counter service. The Lerille family purchased the property from the university foundation in 2009; the shop remains open with published daily hours.
Yes, The Building Used To Cool Milk
Long before sundaes, this building had a very practical job. It started life as a milk-cooling station.
That history earned it serious respect. The building is documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey and recognized by the Library of Congress.
Not bad for a place where kids beg for sprinkles. The setting fits its past, too, with classic Art Deco architecture that catches the eye from the street.
Inside, terrazzo tile floors add to the vintage charm. Those smooth, speckled floors feel like a time machine you can stand on.
The Lerille family renovated the building with care. They focused on preserving original features instead of covering them up with something trendy.
The result feels authentic and lived in. You get a clean, updated shop that still keeps its old soul.
History fans will enjoy looking around while they wait for their order. Spot the details, admire the lines, and remember that milk once chilled here before ice cream ever took center stage.
The Royal Banana Split Is A Team Sport
Bananas, generous scoops, and walnuts all pile into one famous dish. The Royal Banana Split is one of the shop’s signature treats.
Big appetites, take note. This is a split built for sharing, or for very determined solo eaters.
Banana splits come up again and again when people talk about this parlor. That makes sense, because few desserts feel more classic in an old-school setting.
You can also explore other vintage-style sundaes. The gold brick sundae and the chocolate nut sundae both carry that timeless soda fountain spirit.
My advice? Bring a friend and grab extra spoons. Splitting the split just feels right.
Families with kids might want to pick one big dish for the table. That way everyone gets a taste without needing a nap afterward.
Choosing your ice cream for the split is half the fun. With so many flavors on the board, you can build something classic or go a little wild.
Either way, this is the dessert to order if you want the full Borden’s experience in one bowl.
Good Luck Picking Just One Flavor
Black cherry vanilla gets a lot of love here. Borden’s cherry vanilla is a fan favorite, and this is the place to find it.
The flavor list keeps going from there. Classics include vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, butter pecan, black walnut, and Rocky Road.
Feeling playful? Cotton candy, birthday cake, and strawberry cheesecake bring a party vibe to your cone.
Banana pudding is a fun Southern-friendly pick. Moose track, cookies and cream, and chocolate chip cookie dough cover the chunky crowd.
Mint fans have mint chocolate chip and peppermint. Coffee lovers can grab a scoop of coffee ice cream too.
There are thoughtful options for different needs. Sugar-free ice cream is available, along with sorbets like lemon, pineapple, orange, and rainbow.
Everything is hand-dipped, which fits the old-fashioned parlor style perfectly. The recipes and traditions have been refined across generations.
Here’s a smart strategy for indecisive folks. Pick one flavor you know and one you’ve never tried, then compare.
Worst case, you’ll just have to come back.
Malts, Flips, And Sodas From Another Era
Some treats sound like they came straight from a black-and-white movie. Malts, sherbet flips, and ice cream sodas all appear on the menu here.
A malt adds that rich, toasty flavor that makes milkshake fans weak in the knees. It’s a classic soda fountain order that suits this setting perfectly.
Ice cream sodas are another fun throwback. Fizz plus creamy ice cream makes a drink and dessert in one glass.
Sherbet flips might be new to younger visitors. Ordering one is a great way to try something your grandparents may remember.
Shakes are also popular at Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe. On a hot Louisiana afternoon, a cold sip can feel like a small miracle.
I like how these drinks connect generations. A kid and a grandparent can sit side by side and enjoy the same kind of treat.
If you usually stick with a cone, switch it up once. A frosty glass might become your new go-to order.
Just remember to pace yourself. Brain freeze is real, and it shows no mercy.
Chili Dogs Before Dessert? Totally Allowed
Not everyone in your group may crave sugar right away. Borden’s has a savory side that makes it easy to turn a snack stop into a casual meal.
The menu includes hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, and Frito pie. Those choices feel right at home in a nostalgic parlor.
Frito pie is a fun pick if you’ve never tried it. Crunchy corn chips and hearty toppings make it a comfort food favorite.
Coffee drinkers get options too. The shop serves medium and dark roast coffee, espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, frozen coffee, iced coffee, and hot tea.
A latte with a scoop on the side? That’s a dessert plan I fully support.
Baked goods and treats round things out. Cookies sit alongside frozen bananas dipped in dark chocolate or gold brick.
The gold brick coating is worth knowing about. It also shows up on sundaes and dipped cones, so keep an eye out.
So yes, eat a chili dog first. Then reward yourself for being so responsible.
Grab A Seat At The Bar Or Out In The Fresh Air
Seating choices here suit every mood. Inside, you’ll find tables and an ice cream bar for a classic parlor feel.
Sitting at the bar adds extra old-fashioned fun. It’s the kind of seat that makes any scoop feel like a special occasion.
Outdoors, benches and picnic tables give you space to spread out. That’s handy for families or groups with messy little eaters.
Nice weather makes the outdoor tables extra tempting. Louisiana evenings can be perfect for slow licks and easy conversation.
In a hurry? There’s also a walk-up window for quick orders.
That window is a lifesaver on busy days. You can grab a cone and keep moving without missing the fun.
The retro look carries through every corner. The glowing neon sign, the vintage style, and the preserved details all set the mood.
My tip is simple. Eat inside once for the atmosphere, then try the picnic tables on another visit.
Comparing the two experiences gives you a perfect excuse to return. Not that anyone needs an excuse for ice cream.
Plan Your Sweet Stop Around These Hours
Late-night cravings have a friend here. On Fridays and Saturdays, the shop stays open until 10 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, hours run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday also opens at 11 a.m.
Weekends start earlier. Saturday and Sunday open at 10 a.m., with Sunday closing at 9 p.m.
You’ll find Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe at 1103 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. It sits right on a well-known street, so it’s easy to work into a day around town.
An evening visit makes sense if you want to see that neon sign glowing. The Art Deco front looks especially charming once the sun goes down.
Families might prefer the weekend morning hours. Ice cream at 10 a.m. counts as brunch if you say it confidently.
Got a visiting friend or relative? Bring them here and share the backstory before they order.
Telling someone they’re eating at the last shop of a legendary chain never gets old. Then hand them a spoon and let the Royal Banana Split do the rest.