Some Shore institutions earn their status over decades, not seasons, and Rich's Ice Cream is one of them. Since 1955, the brand has been a staple of the Jersey Shore experience, building a loyal following across three locations in Forked River, Toms River, and Manahawkin. This summer, they are bringing that same homemade tradition to Surf City on Long Beach Island, one of the Shore's most sought-after communities and a market where buyers and renters consistently pay premium prices for the lifestyle the island delivers.
- Rich's Ice Cream has operated on the Jersey Shore since 1955, building a reputation for homemade ice cream and a community-focused approach that has made it a multi-generational favorite across Ocean County
- The new Surf City location on Long Beach Island marks the brand's fourth Jersey Shore outpost and its first on LBI, an island community that attracts both seasonal renters and serious real estate buyers
- Surf City and the broader Long Beach Island market consistently rank among the most desirable Shore destinations for families and investors alike, with strong rental income potential and sustained property value appreciation
- For Shore buyers evaluating communities for lifestyle quality and long-term investment appeal, the arrival of an established local institution like Rich's Ice Cream is a tangible indicator of a neighborhood's desirability
The best Shore communities are defined by the institutions that choose to be part of them. Rich's Ice Cream choosing Surf City says something about where Long Beach Island is headed.
By: NJ.com Staff | NJ.com | June 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Rich's Ice Cream
