Vancouver’s Earnest Ice Cream to open fifth scoop shop on Granville Island this fall

Recognisable local brand expands to Granville Island

Earnest Ice Cream, a Vancouver-based maker that began as a tricycle at farmers markets, is opening its fifth scoop shop on Granville Island this fall. The new outlet will occupy the recently refurbished Chain and Forge building and marks the company's first shop opening in nearly a decade, according to the business.

The founders, Erica Bernardi and Ben Ernst, have grown the company since launching in 2012. Over the years Earnest has added storefronts, an ice cream truck and grocery distribution across the region. The Granville Island location will offer the brand's core flavours alongside some unique seasonal options, as well as ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.

Sustainability and local identity

Earnest says it will continue to use its signature reusable and returnable glass jars at the new location — part of the company's longer-standing packaging approach. In announcing the expansion on social media, the company emphasised the fit of Granville Island with its maker-focused identity.

“We’ve always loved Granville Island’s mix of makers and food lovers. It feels like home.”

Co-owner Katie Boyd shared the sentiment in a post from Granville Island, while Earnest's own announcement noted the team took time to ensure the new site "had to feel right." A firm opening date has not been released beyond a plan to open in the fall.

What this means for Granville Island and customers

Granville Island is a high-traffic destination for both residents and tourists. The addition of a locally recognised ice cream maker is likely to complement the island’s existing food and artisan mix, and could increase weekday and weekend foot traffic around the Chain and Forge building once the shop opens.

• New retail space in a recently refurbished heritage-commercial building
• Continued use of returnable glass jars, aligning with local sustainability trends
• Menu to include classic offerings plus unique flavours, sandwiches and sundaes

The company has not detailed staffing plans or the full menu for the Granville Island shop. Earnest's growth from a market tricycle to multiple retail sites and grocery distribution highlights a shift many local food producers aim for: scaling while maintaining a maker identity.

For Vancouver residents, the new Earnest scoop shop adds another locally grown option to a popular public space and underscores the continuing appeal of locally produced food businesses within the city's visitor and neighbourhood economies.