Our Story.
Your Tradition.
From a single soft-serve stand in Inglewood to a beloved California and Georgia institution, Foster's Freeze has been serving smiles for nearly eighty years. Dedicated to quality, hand-crafted, and always true to the original dream.
- Founded
- 1946
- Locations
- 58+
- Smiles served
- countless
Did you know?
When George Foster opened his window in 1946, soft-serve ice cream was still a novelty. His innovation—bringing this cutting-edge technology to California—became the foundation of an empire. Today, that same soft-serve swirl remains the heart of what we do.
From a dream to a California tradition
Eighty years of smiles.
In 1946, George Foster opened a soft-serve window in Inglewood, California. What started as a simple idea—just ice cream and a smile—became an institution. Today, with over 58 locations across California and Georgia, Foster's Freeze remains committed to the same values that made it a legend — quality ingredients, joyful service, and a swirl that never gets old.
The journey
A timeline of California classics.
The first walk-up opens
George Foster opens the original Fosters Freeze stand in Inglewood, California — a soft-serve machine, a flat-top, and a smile.
California falls in love
Locations spread across the state. The 'swirl on a cone' becomes a Saturday-afternoon ritual for a generation of Californians.
Burgers, fries, and beyond
The menu expands beyond soft serve to include the burgers, dogs, and chili-cheese fries that today's fans grew up on.
Community-operated growth
Fosters expands with community-operated locations. Each location reflects the neighborhood it serves.
Same swirl. New chapter.
A renewed focus on quality, service, and growth — including new builds, refreshed locations, and a national franchising program.
Hollywood & Pop Culture
Fosters Freeze has been part of California pop culture for generations. Our locations have been connected to music history, classic film locations, and California nostalgia, from the Hawthorne location's connection to Beach Boys lore around "Fun, Fun, Fun," to appearances or filming-location references tied to Pulp Fiction, Charlie's Angels, Mayans M.C., Twentynine Palms, and Huell Howser's California's Gold.
References to third-party films, television programs, songs, and artists are for historical and informational purposes only. Fosters Freeze is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the owners, producers, studios, artists, or rightsholders of those works. Fosters Freeze respects all intellectual property rights and makes no claim to ownership of referenced works.
The Beach Boys' 'Fun, Fun, Fun'
1964The Hawthorne Fosters Freeze is tied to the Thunderbird story that inspired this iconic song.
Pulp Fiction
1994The Atwater Village Fosters Freeze was dressed as 'Teriyaki Donut' for the Butch and Marcellus crash sequence.
Charlie's Angels
2000The Torrance Fosters Freeze appeared as the burger stand location in this action-comedy film.
Mayans M.C.
2020The Castaic Fosters Freeze appears in Season 3, Episode 3, 'Overreaching Don't Pay.'
Twentynine Palms
2003Fosters Freeze appears as itself in this independent film.
California's Gold with Huell Howser
2000sFosters Freeze was featured as a classic California restaurant tradition.
1950s Celebrity Ads
1950sFosters Freeze featured well-known personalities including Harpo Marx, Andy Devine, and Tom Harmon in vintage newspaper advertising.
Heritage gallery
Eighty years in photos.
The Original Stand — Inglewood
999 South La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA
On October 30th, 1946, George Foster opens the very first Foster's Freeze stand, introducing soft-serve ice cream to Southern California. This iconic location remains in business today, a testament to over 75 years of quality and community. No photograph of the original location has been found.
Early Expansion — Palo Alto
Palo Alto, CA
Foster's Freeze expands northward into the Bay Area, bringing its signature soft-serve swirl and old-fashioned burgers to Palo Alto. The brand's walk-up window format quickly becomes a beloved California roadside institution.
Arcadia Storefront
Arcadia, CA
The Arcadia location captures the spirit of postwar California optimism — a bright, welcoming stand where families gathered after Little League games and weekend drives. The iconic red-and-white color scheme was becoming synonymous with Foster's Freeze across the state.
On the Road — The Foster's Freeze Truck
California
Before permanent locations blanketed the state, Foster's Freeze brought its signature soft-serve directly to California communities via mobile service. The delivery truck became a familiar and welcome sight at fairs, community events, and neighborhood celebrations throughout the 1950s.
What we stand for
Values that haven't changed.
Quality first
We've stayed committed to quality for almost eighty years. That shows up in every interaction — from the window to the back of the house.
Made fresh, made simple
Premium patties, real soft-serve mix, and short menus done well — never frozen patties or fussy substitutions.
Joyful service
Burgers and shakes are just the vehicle. The point is the smile that comes with them.
California original
We were here before the others. We pour our roots into every location — from the Bay to the Border.
Ready to join the tradition?
Find your nearest Foster's Freeze location or explore franchise opportunities.