"Farrell's Features Fabulous Food and Fantastic Fountain Fantasies for Frolicking Fun-Filled Festive Families."  With that phrase, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlours spread throughout the United States, with nearly 130 parlours from coast to coast. Today there are four parlours in operation. I worked for Farrell's in the 70's and 80's - managed 6 parlours in 3 states. It was a fun time in my life.

News Flash - Newest Member of Farrell's Empire opens in California

With much fanfare, an all-new old-time Farrell's has opened in the Shops at Mission Viejo, in (where else) Mission Viejo, California. The owners have tried to capture the true spirit of the original Farrell's design and atmosphere, even using the Showboat design on the exterior of the restaurant.

In other news, original co-Founder Bob Farrell is planning to bring Farrell's back to Portland (a couple of readers sent me links to Portland news broadcasts discussing the impending return).

Ken McCarthy (co-founder), Gary Morgan (manager), Bob Farrell (co-founder)

and Wayne Hagoes (Portland supervisor) at the Lloyd Center opening

This site is dedicated to the memory of an American Original. Learn the history of Farrell's, from the first parlour (Portland, Oregon, 1963) to the most recently opened one (Santa Clarita, California, 2002). If you want to discover other trivia items, click on the other Farrell's links to the left. Hey, you can even learn the words to the Farrell's Theme Song.

Paul Kramer, Mike Fleming, Herman Chan (The Stewards) with Bob Farrell

This site is developed with gratitude to the following:

Bob Farrell - the namesake who developed the concept of a 1905 themed ice cream parlour.

Ken McCarthy - the co-founder of Farrell's, who developed all those fountain concoctions you remember so well, and who developed the processes, procedures and structures that allowed the company to grow and prosper through the 1960's.

The Kirin Group of California - this company rescued the concept from the abyss of the Marriott Corporation by purchasing the master development rights in 1996.

Parlour Enterprises - the current owner of the Farrell's trademarks and development rights designed the prototype store in Santa Clarita.

The Ortman's - they operated Farrell's in the San Diego area for 38 years (longer than anyone else, ever).

The information contained within is based on my data, experiences, and interviews with other Farrell's personnel. I do not claim that it is 100 percent accurate; it is based on the best available information that I have. I do update this site on a periodic basis as new information, pictures, or corrections come up. Don't be a stranger, bookmark this site and stop back soon.

If you have any feedback or items to add, feel free to email me at rkbaker@ix.netcom.com. I reserve the right to use or not use anything you send.