A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT JAHN'S
The year is 1888, winter, snowing to beat all ice cream. A sailing vessel makes port at New York and who steps off but John Jahn, age 14, hereafter called Papa. A real greenhorn with nothing but ambition. He spent five years working in a bakery at ten dollars per month with board. Papa didn’t go too much for the heat, having come from a cold country, so he left and got a job as an ice cream maker for a store in Brooklyn. This was more to his liking.
FROM LOVE TO THE FIRST STORE
He froze along and finally met Mama, at a dancing school called Weber’s. Love at first sight and so married. A married man has to be able to support a family so Papa opened his first store in the Bronx at 138th Street and Alexander Avenue in 1897.
More years of hard work selling sodas at five cents and ice cream at twenty-five cents a quart, which was never measured but just tossed into whatever kind of a can or dish you brought along.
GROWING THE JAHNS FAMILY
Now, you know there just can’t be Mama and Papa in this story, so along came Elsie, then Frank, and finally Howard. Everything went fine for years until Papa decided to take a rest in 1918.
He vacationed for about five years and then decided there was no reason his children shouldn’t go into the same business. So he opened a store for Elsie in Jamaica, a store for Frank in Richmond Hill, and a store for Howard in Flushing.
THE FRANCHISE ERA
After Jahn bought a location for each of his kids, the children began franchising the store. The Jackson Heights location was one of those franchise stores, opening on March 28, 1959.
PASSING THE TORCH
Tom Moukas started working there as a waiter on January 20, 1960. He later bought the store in June 1970. His three children worked there as teenagers, went to school, and graduated while being part of the Jahn’s family tradition.
In 1999, Tom’s sons Peter and Nick took over the business, continuing the legacy.
Legendary Ice Cream Creations
Indulge in our famous sundaes and ice cream specialties, crafted with the same care and attention to detail since 1897.
Classic American Comfort
Savor our time-honored recipes featuring breakfast classics, hearty burgers, and home-style entrées served in generous portions.
Historic Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in authentic vintage décor, featuring original red booths and counter seating that transport you to a bygone era.
