Made in America: David Muir visits Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop and samples flavors

As part of ABC News Made in America Christmas series highlighting small businesses nationwide, anchor and managing editor David Muir visited Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in New York City to try a variety of flavors crafted across the U.S. during the holiday season.

Located just a short walk from ABC News headquarters, Muir stopped by the SoHo shop to see firsthand how these handcrafted ice creams are made. He was welcomed by the co-founders, Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura ONeill.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream began in 2008 when the trio purchased an old USPS truck and sold ice cream directly on the streets of New York City. Their popularity quickly grew, leading to more trucks and, in 2010, the opening of their first storefront in Brooklyns Greenpoint neighborhood. Today, the brand operates over 100 locations nationwide and ships across the country.

The shop relies on ingredients sourced from farmers all over the United States. Pete Van Leeuwen shared with Muir that their Totem strawberries come from Oregon, praising them as the best he has ever tasted for their strawberry ice cream.

"Flavors made in America, but out of this world," Muir commented while sampling the ice cream. He enjoyed classics like mint chip and cookies & cream, as well as inventive options like mango sticky rice and Earl Grey tea, noting that theres something for every palate.

Ben Van Leeuwen revealed the key to their rich and creamy ice cream: high-quality ingredients, plenty of cream, and a generous amount of eggs. The perfectly shaped scoops Muir admired come from American-made Zeroll Ice Cream Scoops, praised for their innovative design and functionality.

To explore the craftsmanship behind the scoops, World News Tonight visited Zerolls factory in Avondale, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia. Established in 1935, Zeroll employs over 50 workers who produce scoops filled with special oil that transfers warmth from the hand to the ice cream, ensuring smooth, effortless scooping even for the hardest ice cream.

Executives at Zeroll emphasized the pride in manufacturing products in the U.S., noting the dedicated team and long-standing tradition behind every scoop. Combined with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, these American-made scoops make a thoughtful treat for the holidays, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Author: Grace Ellison