I Pledge for Ice Cream

Savannah institution Leopold’s Ice Cream teaches the importance of patriotism with sweet rewards in July. 

Three Greek immigrant brothers — George, Peter and Basil Leopold — opened Leopold’s Ice Cream on the corner of Gwinnett and Habersham streets in Savannah in 1919. The trio quickly perfected their secret ice cream recipes, and the shop became a local hangout and a tourist must-stop. Every generation loves Leopold’s homemade malts, milkshakes, black and white sodas, banana splits and single scoops. The shop closed in 1969, when Peter’s youngest son,  Stratton, left Savannah to pursue his dreams in Hollywood. In 2004, Stratton returned to Savannah and reopened the famous ice cream business. Now on Broughton Street, Leopold’s still has the original fixtures, black marble soda fountain and phone booth. These days, the shop is also decorated with posters and props from Stratton Leopold’s film career, which includes credits for “Tank,” “The Big Chill” and “Mission Impossible III.”

In the summer of 2010, Leopold’s launched the “I Pledge” project during the month of July. On Monday afternoons, Leopold’s rewards children 12 and under with a free ice cream cone for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The Savannah institution also reaches out to other independent ice cream shops across America to join the campaign, and 109 shops in 36 states will be participating this month.

“I Pledge” kicks off at Leopold’s today from 4-7 p.m. and continues July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Show your stars and stripes this month by stopping by and pledging your allegiance to a scoop of Tutti Frutti, Lemon Custard, Mint Chocolate Chip or Butter Pecan.

And mark your calendar for Leopold’s 95th Birthday Party in mid-August, when a block party on Broughton Street will offer ice cream for just 95 cents.

Photos from Leopold’s Facebook page.