Getting its licks in for 25 years

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/08/2019 (2434 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s been 25 years since Licks Ice Cream Patio first opened its doors at the corner of Britannica and St. Marys Road. Since then, it’s been a favourite destination for the families and residents of River Park South, as well as those from across town and even outside of Winnipeg.   

The McLean family has been the heart and soul of Licks for most of those 25 years. Warren McLean bought the business in 2003, after a long career in banking. In 2015, son Stephen left his job, also in the banking industry, to take over as current owner and manager.   

Licks is important to River Park South as an employer, with the 10 to 14 employees on the payroll at any given time, mostly students and young people who live in the area. Their longest-serving employee, 11 years and counting, continues to make any and all of the menu items every weekend.  

It’s also the perfect place to gather with family, friends or teammates, and it’s been known to host a concert on the outdoor patio. The small, weathered play structure, version 2.0, is as much a part of the ambience as the ice-cream itself.

And of course there’s the ice-cream…

Stephen figures there are hundreds and hundreds of frozen treats which can be made when you factor in the multitude of flavours and toppings. The addition of vegan and lactose-free ice-cream is a commitment to ensuring that everyone who visits Licks will find something they will like and be able to enjoy.  

The ultimate irony of owning an ice-cream shoppe is that Stephen McLean is lactose intolerant himself; but he can still enjoy his favourite menu item — a mud pie flurry — from time to time (hold the peanuts, add some almonds).  

The routine of nine months hard at work followed by three off wouldn’t be for everyone but in talking to Stephen it quickly becomes clear it suits him well. It’s also evident he loves his job, and is committed to the continued success of Licks as a neighbourhood institution and gathering place. With two young kids of his own, I’m left wondering if a third generation of the McLean family might one day be behind the counter serving up smiles, one mud pie flurry, hot caramel sundae (my favourite Licks treat), or vegan cone at a time.

You can find them on Facebook: Licks Ice Cream Patio and on Instagram @licksicecreampatio

Sandy Nemeth is a community correspondent for River Park South and chair of the Louis Riel School Board. Email her at snemeth8@mts.net