Our Story

At 25, founder Billy Friley takes a four-month motorcycle trip through South America, soaking in the sights, sounds, and street culture that would later shape Village Ice Cream. Later, on his Grandma Gladys' porch in Helena, Montana, a pint of huckleberry ice cream sparks a life-changing idea, and a vision for Calgary's neighbourhoods.

The first Village Ice Cream shop opens in Victoria Park, hidden in a hard-to-find cul-de-sac. Before long, lines stretch down the block on warm summer nights, with Nas blasting from inside the shop.

That same year, Billy takes Village to the streets with the original Cream Cycle, bringing ice cream directly to the people.

Ice Cream Sandwiches hit the scoop shop freezer. 

A Village favourite to this day, “Everything Mark Loves” is released in memory of a beloved Villager.

The second location opens in Britannia Plaza. In the same year it was recognized in one of the top 9 ice cream shops in the world by Architectural Digest for its interior design. Village begins establishing itself not just as an ice cream shop, but as a neighbourhood gathering place.

The very first Lick the Vote takes place, turning civic duty into something a little sweeter, free scoops for those who cast their vote. 

The third scoop shop opens in lively Garrison Corner. It quickly becomes a staple in the neighbourhood amongst many other beloved local businesses. 

In collaboration with our friends at Annex, the Root Beer Float launches, an instant classic for early Villagers.

The second edition Villagers pint cup launches, celebrating the diversity of our city.

The Bridgeland General Block location opens in a brand-new building overlooking Murdoch Park.

The General Block Sundae launches with UNA Pizza + Wine and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters — a collab with our neighbours.

We dropped out first dog-friendly ice cream during the Dog Days of Summer, starting a yearly tradition for the Dogs of Village.

Our fifth Village location opens in University District. Finally! The iconic Dunkaroos flavour launches, later re-released as Colton's Dunkaroos in 2023, with 100% of proceeds supporting Kids Cancer Care. Village keeps expanding its gluten-friendly and vegan offerings, making more room at the table for everyone.

Nearly 10 years later, the Britannia location is refreshed with a bold new look, blending Village nostalgia with the next chapter of the brand.

The Dogs of Village pint launches, featuring 48 local dogs illustrated on custom packaging after more than 2,500 submissions from the community.

The pint earns an Anvil Award for design and packaging, while helping support the Canadian Animal Task Force.

The hits keep on coming. More than 150,000 Little Villagers have been donated to the community to date. The fifth and sixth editions of Lick the Vote take place, continuing a now-beloved Calgary tradition. More than a decade in, our passion for creating vibrant neighbourhood hubs across the city remains unchanged

Our sixth Village location opens in West District, and the next chapter of Village begins: new neighbourhoods, new traditions, and more Villagers to welcome. The story continues…

We've grown a lot since we first opened shop. And so has the city we call home, which is becoming more vibrant, creative, and connected than ever. It felt like a perfect moment to have some fun with the Village brand, as a tribute to our city and all the Villagers who make it special. So take a peek around the place, there's lots more to come...