Stricklands of Kent

Welcome, fellow Ohioans, to a sweet institution that has delighted generations: Stricklands of Kent. This isn't just another ice cream shop; it's a piece of Ohio history, a place where the tradition of exceptional frozen custard and soft serve has been perfected over decades. Nestled in Kent, Stricklands stands as a testament to quality, flavor, and a truly welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for anyone in the Ohio region seeking a truly superior sweet treat.

Since its founding by Bill and Florence Strickland in 1936 in Akron, the Stricklands name has been synonymous with creamy, rich, and intensely flavorful frozen custard and ice cream. Bill Strickland, with his deep knowledge of dairy products, meticulously developed a recipe that remains the standard today, focusing on the freshest ingredients and a unique freezing process that limits air, resulting in an incredibly smooth product. The location in Kent continues this proud legacy, serving up the same award-winning formula that made Stricklands a local landmark. When you visit Stricklands of Kent, you're not just enjoying a dessert; you're experiencing a piece of Ohio's culinary heritage, crafted with care and served with a smile. The commitment to maintaining the original formula and high standards ensures that every scoop is a taste of perfection.

Stricklands of Kent is conveniently located at 1879 E Main St, Kent, OH 44240, USA. East Main Street is a well-known and easily navigable thoroughfare in Kent, making this beloved ice cream shop highly accessible for residents and visitors throughout the Ohio region. Its position on a main road ensures good visibility and straightforward directions, whether you're coming from downtown Kent, surrounding neighborhoods, or nearby towns.

The accessibility of Stricklands of Kent is a significant advantage for Ohio locals. Being situated on a primary route means ample parking is typically available, making it easy to pull in for a quick treat or to enjoy a leisurely visit. This convenient access ensures that satisfying your craving for exceptional soft serve or frozen custard is never a hassle. For families looking for a delightful outing, students from Kent State University, or anyone passing through the area, Stricklands of Kent provides a welcoming and easy-to-reach destination. Its central location solidifies its role as a key community gathering spot for sweet indulgence in Ohio. The consistent operating hours from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week, further enhance its accessibility for all schedules.

Stricklands of Kent offers a comprehensive menu of frozen treats, building on its rich heritage of frozen custard and ice cream. Their services are designed to cater to a wide array of preferences, ensuring there's something delightful for every customer.

• Exceptional Soft Serve Ice Cream and Frozen Custard: The cornerstone of their offerings is their "great soft serve ice cream" and renowned frozen custard. This signature product is made following Uncle Bill Strickland's original formula, developed in 1936, which uses fresh ingredients and a unique freezing process for a dense, creamy texture that limits air.

• Wide Variety of Flavors: Stricklands offers a diverse range of flavors, including classic Vanilla and Chocolate, along with two rotating "Flavor's of the Day." They also feature Rainbow Sherbet. Examples of past and present flavors found at Stricklands locations include Peanut Butter Banana, Confetti Cake Batter, Salted Caramel, Oreo, Chocolate Almond, Banana, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan, Coffee Bean, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Pistachio, ensuring there's always something new to try.

• Arctic Twisters: Customers can enjoy "Arctic Twister" treats, where Stricklands' fresh ice cream is blended with a choice of "Twist-Ins" such as Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Snickers, Oreo Cookie, Reese's Pieces, Heath Bar, Butterfinger, or M&Ms. Specialty Twisters like Maui Delight, Fudge Brownie, or Banana Split are also available.

• Sundaes: A variety of sundaes are offered, including traditional options with toppings like Blueberry, Butterscotch, Caramel, Cherry, Chocolate, Hot Fudge, Marshmallow, Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Red Raspberry, and Strawberry. Signature sundaes like the "Turtle Sundae" (Vanilla Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Hot Caramel, Whipped Cream, with pecans or peanuts) and "Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae" are also popular choices.

• Milkshakes and Malts: Customers can choose from a wide range of milkshake flavors, including Blueberry, Butterscotch, Caramel, Cherry, Chocolate, Hot Fudge, Marshmallow, Oreo Cookie, Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Strawberry, and Vanilla, also available as malted milkshakes.

• Specialty Desserts: Other delectable options include "Banana Splits" (with two dips of Vanilla and one of Chocolate, various toppings, whipped cream, peanuts, and a cherry), "Strawberry Shortcake" (vanilla ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream on sponge cake), and "Ice Cream Sodas."

• Pints and Quarts to Go: For enjoying at home, favorite Stricklands Ice Cream flavors can be hand-packed into convenient "Pints and Quarts."

• Slushies and Chillers: They also offer "Slushy" drinks in flavors like Cherry, Orange, Strawberry, Grape, Lemon-Lime, and Blue Raspberry, as well as "Strickland's Chiller" (slushy topped with a scoop of ice cream).

Stricklands of Kent stands out in the Ohio ice cream landscape due to a combination of exceptional features and highlights that have fostered its long-standing popularity and devoted customer base.

• Exceptional Product Quality: The "product is exceptional" is a consistent theme among reviews. Stricklands is renowned for its rich, creamy soft serve and frozen custard, a direct result of Bill Strickland's perfected recipe and proprietary batch freezers developed in 1936. This unique freezing process minimizes air, creating a dense and flavorful product that truly "melts" in your mouth with intense flavor. This commitment to quality is what makes patrons declare they "may never eat ice cream again" after experiencing Stricklands.

• Friendly and Attentive Staff: A significant highlight is the "super friendly" staff. This positive interaction contributes greatly to the overall pleasant atmosphere of the shop, making customers feel welcome and valued. A "nice friendly guy" noted in a review underscores the personable service that enhances the experience.

• Impeccable Cleanliness: The "building was very clean," as noted by customers, which is a major positive feature. A clean environment contributes to a comfortable and trustworthy experience, assuring customers of high standards in operation.

• Appealing New Decor: The "new blue & white decor, inside & out," adds to the inviting ambiance. A fresh and pleasant aesthetic enhances the customer experience, making the space enjoyable for lingering and savoring treats.

• Rich History and Tradition: Stricklands is not just an ice cream shop; it's a piece of Ohio history, founded in 1936. This legacy adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity, appealing to those who appreciate businesses with deep roots and a time-honored commitment to their craft. The continuation of "Uncle Bill's Formula" ensures this tradition lives on.

• Wide Variety and Rotating Flavors: While always offering classic vanilla and chocolate, the inclusion of two daily rotating "Flavors of the Day" provides novelty and encourages frequent visits. This diverse selection, along with various sundaes, milkshakes, and specialty items, ensures there’s always something new or a beloved favorite to enjoy.

• Convenient Operating Hours: Being "Open 7 days a week" from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm provides ample opportunity for locals to visit, whether for a midday treat or an evening dessert.

For those in Ohio eager to experience the exceptional frozen treats and friendly atmosphere at Stricklands of Kent, here's how you can get in touch or find them:

• Address: 1879 E Main St, Kent, OH 44240, USA

• Phone: (330) 552-3044

You can call ahead for any inquiries regarding their daily rotating flavors, operating hours, or any other questions you might have. Their friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

For Ohioans, particularly those in and around Kent, Stricklands of Kent is far more than just a place to get ice cream; it's a cherished local landmark that perfectly embodies the community's appreciation for quality, tradition, and friendly service. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, making it an indispensable part of the regional experience.

Firstly, the core product itself—the "exceptional" soft serve ice cream and frozen custard—is a powerful draw. Made with Bill Strickland's time-honored formula, it delivers a rich, creamy flavor that consistently exceeds expectations. For locals who value authentic, high-quality treats, Stricklands provides an unparalleled experience that stands apart from mass-produced alternatives. The wide variety of flavors, including rotating daily specials, ensures that there’s always something new to try, keeping regulars excited and engaged.

Beyond the delicious desserts, the atmosphere and service at Stricklands of Kent make it incredibly suitable for the Ohio community. The "super friendly" staff creates a welcoming and positive environment, fostering a sense of warmth and familiarity. When a business makes customers feel genuinely appreciated, it builds loyalty and becomes a true community hub. Furthermore, the "new blue & white decor" and the "very clean" building enhance the overall experience, providing a pleasant and comfortable setting for families, friends, or individuals to enjoy their treats. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to customer satisfaction that resonates deeply with local patrons.

Lastly, Stricklands of Kent embodies a rich local history, carrying on a tradition that dates back to 1936. For Ohioans, supporting a business with such deep roots and a commitment to preserving its original quality formula is a source of pride. Its convenient location on East Main Street and generous operating hours seven days a week from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm make it easily accessible for a quick stop or a planned outing. In sum, Stricklands of Kent offers a perfect blend of exceptional taste, inviting ambiance, and genuine community spirit, making it an absolute must-visit and a beloved staple for any Ohio local seeking a truly delightful ice cream experience. You'll definitely be coming back!

Stricklands of Kent

1879 E Main St, Kent, OH 44240, USA