Building Sacramento: Gunther’s Ice Cream
Tucked in Sacramento's Curtis Park neighborhood, Gunther’s Ice Cream has become a beloved local institution, offering not just a delicious treat, but a taste of nostalgia for generations of Sacramentans. With its retro charm and commitment to quality, Gunther’s has built a reputation for being a staple of Sacramento’s culinary scene for over 75 years. Here’s a closer look at the history and enduring appeal of this iconic ice cream parlor.
Gunther’s Ice Cream was founded in 1940 by Gunther and Clara Balk, a German couple with a passion for quality ice cream and a knack for making it from scratch. The couple opened the shop on Franklin Boulevard in a modest storefront, quickly drawing the attention of the local community with their rich, creamy, and meticulously crafted ice cream flavors. The Balks’ dedication to quality was clear from the start: they used fresh ingredients and took great care in making each batch, which resulted in a product that was both distinctive and delicious.
As Sacramento grew and the neighborhood around the original location developed, Gunther’s Ice Cream became a popular spot for families, young couples, and anyone with a sweet tooth. The iconic soda fountain and classic ice cream parlour atmosphere became part of the charm, giving customers a delightful experience that went beyond just eating ice cream—it was about creating memories.
One of the key elements that has set Gunther’s Ice Cream apart is its commitment to the craft of making ice cream. Over the years, the shop has built a loyal following by sticking to traditional methods, including handcrafting small batches of ice cream using high-quality, fresh ingredients. While the shop has certainly evolved in terms of flavor offerings, Gunther’s dedication to making everything in-house—whether it’s vanilla, chocolate, or more unique flavors like rocky road and butter pecan—has never wavered.
Gunther’s is known for its made-from-scratch approach, with their recipes featuring premium cream, milk, and sugar, without relying on pre-made mixes. This dedication to artisanal methods allows them to maintain the authentic, rich taste that customers have come to love over the decades. The flavors are carefully created and rotated to ensure there’s always something new to try, while keeping those nostalgic favorites on hand for the regulars.
After decades of success, Gunther’s Ice Cream expanded beyond its original location on Franklin Boulevard. In the 1960s, they opened a second location on Arden Way, further cementing their presence in the Sacramento area. These two locations would serve as the foundation for a growing legacy that spans decades, with Gunther’s becoming a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
The company remained family-owned for many years, with the Balks’ descendants continuing the tradition of quality and craftsmanship. Today, the spirit of the original founders continues, with the team still using many of the same recipes and methods passed down through generations.
Gunther’s has kept its retro vibe alive, preserving the classic ice cream shop feel with its checkerboard floors, vintage décor, and friendly service. The nostalgic ambiance of Gunther’s has made it not just a place to get ice cream, but a place to reminisce, relax, and enjoy a true Sacramento experience.
While ice cream is the star of the show, Gunther’s Ice Cream has expanded its offerings over the years to include other treats, like sundaes, milkshakes, and old-fashioned sodas. In fact, many locals still fondly refer to Gunther’s as “the place for a soda fountain,” as its thick shakes and ice cream sodas are still a hit. The shop has also embraced modern tastes, offering vegan and dairy-free options that cater to a wider range of dietary needs.
But no matter how their offerings evolve, Gunther’s Ice Cream has always managed to stay true to its roots, keeping the emphasis on quality, creativity, and community.
For Sacramentans, Gunther’s is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s a cultural staple. Whether it’s stopping by after a summer day at the park or enjoying a treat with friends on a weekend evening, Gunther’s has become intertwined with the fabric of local life. For newcomers and visitors, a trip to Gunther’s provides a tangible connection to Sacramento’s past, offering a slice of the city’s rich history in the form of a scoop of ice cream.
The legacy of Gunther’s Ice Cream continues to be an enduring part of Sacramento’s charm, a reminder of the past while also evolving to meet the tastes and needs of the future. As long as the sun is shining in Sacramento, Gunther’s will be there, serving up the same old-fashioned ice cream that has delighted generations of customers.
From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its status today as one of Sacramento’s most beloved businesses, Gunther’s Ice Cream has stood the test of time. Its unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and community continues to make it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. For anyone with a sweet tooth, a visit to Gunther’s is more than just a treat—it’s a step back in time to when ice cream was made with love and care, and every scoop was a reminder of simpler days gone by.