Some places don’t need flashy signs or trendy desserts, just generations of loyal customers and steady lines at the counter that say everything you need to know.
One North Carolina ice cream shop has been doing exactly that for more than a century.
People make special trips just to enjoy its oversized scoops, old-fashioned sundaes, thick milkshakes, and the kind of friendly service that’s getting harder to find.
If you’ve ever wondered where to enjoy a sweet taste of North Carolina history, you’re about to discover a spot that’s been making memories for well over 100 years.
Where Is It?
You’ll find Tony’s Ice Cream at 604 East Franklin Boulevard in downtown Gastonia.
If you’re driving, you can reach it in about 25 minutes from uptown Charlotte, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Greensboro, and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Asheville.
About
Walking into Tony’s Ice Cream feels like stepping into the kind of neighborhood ice cream shop that never goes out of style.
This Gastonia favorite is famous for its generous scoops of homemade ice cream, thick milkshakes, and old-fashioned desserts that keep people coming back.
They serve about 28 ice cream flavors, whether you’re in the mood for classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry or fun options like lemon, grape, and almond joy.
If you have trouble deciding, don’t be surprised if the staff lets you sample a flavor or two before making your choice.
For an even bigger treat, the banana splits are one of the must-try items on the menu.
They’re piled high with multiple scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge, and a cherry, making them just as fun to photograph as they are to eat.
Another highlight is the thick milkshakes, which are rich enough to enjoy with a spoon before switching to a straw and come in a wide variety of flavors.
If you’re craving something refreshing on a hot North Carolina afternoon, you’ll also find slushies, fountain drinks, iced tea, and sundaes.
Beyond the desserts, Tony’s Ice Cream also serves a full menu of classic American comfort food.
You can stop by for hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, barbecue, hot wings, fries, onion rings, country steak biscuits, and more.
That combination makes it just as popular for lunch or dinner as it is for dessert.
As for the atmosphere, it’s casual, family-friendly, and wonderfully nostalgic.
You’ll find simple seating, friendly service, and a steady stream of locals picking up everything from an afternoon cone to a complete meal.
Whether you’re stopping by on a summer road trip or satisfying a sweet tooth, Tony’s Ice Cream is everything you’d want in a classic ice cream shop.
History
Tony’s Ice Cream traces its roots back to the 1920s, when Scottish immigrant Carmine Coletta started selling homemade ice cream from a pushcart.
As demand grew, he expanded to horse-drawn wagons that traveled to mill villages, baseball games, carnivals, and camp meetings throughout Gaston.
One of those original wagons has even been restored and is now on display at the Gaston County Museum of Art and History.
As the business continued to grow, delivery moved to trucks in the early 1930s.
Then, in 1947, Carmine’s son-in-law, Antonia Janetta, built the current Tony’s Ice Cream location on East Franklin Boulevard and a second shop on West Franklin Boulevard.
Tony Coletta, Carmine’s youngest son, later managed both locations before ownership passed to his sons, Robert and Louis.
Today, Robert and Louis Coletta continue the family tradition as third-generation owners.
More than 100 years after it all began, Tony’s Ice Cream remains a Gaston County landmark known for the same dedication to quality and service that started it all.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Parking
Tony’s Ice Cream is open every day, making it easy to stop in for a quick cone or stay awhile for a full meal.
- Monday to Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Parking is available on-site, but it fills up quickly, so arriving shortly after opening gives you the best chance of finding a spot.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re visiting on a warm spring or summer weekend, try to arrive earlier in the day or during the middle of the afternoon.
Dinner time and evening hours are often the busiest, especially when the weather is nice, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line.
Nearby Attractions
After enjoying a sweet treat at Tony’s Ice Cream, take some time to explore a few of the area’s nearby attractions.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium is only a 5-minute drive away, with interactive exhibits, live animals, a working farm, and a planetarium.
Another fun stop is Monster Mini Golf Gastonia, just 10 minutes away, where you can play an 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini golf course and enjoy mini bowling.
If you have a little more time, head to Crowders Mountain State Park, about a 20-minute drive away, where you can hike scenic trails to mountain overlooks.
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