Columbus is a top 5 ice cream city.
Between Jeni’s, Graeter’s, Whit’s, Handel’s, and a whole list of beloved local scoop shops, we are absolutely spoiled when it comes to frozen treats.
But if you’ve been paying attention over the last few years, you may have noticed one name popping up more and more often.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream.
This family-owned Columbus ice cream institution has been quietly building momentum, and now they’re opening their 10th Central Ohio location.
And yes… they’re celebrating with free scoops.
A Columbus Ice Cream Legacy That Started in 1950
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream has been making Columbus sweeter since 1950, when Grandpa Johnson opened the original location in Bexley.
For decades, that shop built a loyal following of customers who swore by Johnson’s rich, creamy ice cream and old-school approach to making flavors the right way.
Fast forward to today, and that same legacy is spreading all over Central Ohio.
In just the last few years, Johnson’s has expanded to popular neighborhoods like:
- Grandview
- Italian Village
- Dublin
- New Albany
- And several other Central Ohio communities
Now, they’re adding Lewis Center to that list.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream Is Opening a New Lewis Center Location
Johnson’s newest scoop shop will open in Lewis Center on Wednesday, March 25.
And if you’re someone who enjoys free ice cream (which… I assume is everyone reading this), you may want to mark your calendar.
Free scoops will be available from 6 PM to 9 PM on opening day.
Free ice cream, a brand new shop, and a Columbus institution celebrating its continued growth. Hard to beat that combination.
The Secret to Johnson’s Success? They Never Stop Playing With Flavors
One of the things that makes Johnson’s Real Ice Cream stand out is that they aren’t afraid to experiment.
Sure, they have all the classics. Chocolate. Strawberry. Cookies and Cream. The usual suspects.
But following the adventurous personality of Grandpa Johnson himself, the team is constantly creating new flavors and combinations that keep people coming back to see what’s next.
And honestly, you know you’re dealing with an elite ice cream shop when even the vanilla is incredible.
Johnson’s Triple Vanilla Bean is exactly what vanilla should be… ridiculously creamy, perfectly sweet, and loaded with real vanilla flavor. It’s also the base for many of their other creations.
From there, things get a little more fun.
Some personal favorites include:
- Salty Caramel Chocolate Pretzel
- A perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all in one scoop.
- Praline Pecan
- This one might be my personal favorite. If you love candied pecans, this ice cream basically delivers the best of both worlds with a rich nuttiness and a deep caramel sweetness.
These are the kinds of flavors that make you realize Johnson’s isn’t just expanding… it’s leveling up.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream Is Just Getting Started
If the last few years are any indication, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream is only getting started.
What began as one neighborhood shop in Bexley back in 1950 is now a rapidly growing Central Ohio ice cream brand that keeps popping up in new neighborhoods.
And in a city filled with heavy hitters like Jeni’s and Graeter’s, Johnson’s is quickly proving it belongs right in that conversation. Maybe even fighting for the top pole position soon…
Either way, if you haven’t tried Johnson’s yet… the Lewis Center opening might be the perfect excuse.
And hey, free ice cream is always a pretty good reason!
📍 Johnson’s Real Ice Cream | 5915 Evans Farm Drive, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
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