75 Years of Serving Delicious Scoops

A family run ice cream shop completed 75 years of serving delicious scoops

 

Mackay’s ice cream in Cochrane has completed 75 years of serving ice cream which is controlled by the third generation in 2023.

After World War 2, James Mackay bought a grocery store in Cochrane and then got an idea of converting the grocery story into an ice cream parlour. MacKay’s ice cream was first started in 1948.

The recipes are inspired by James’s grandmother. MacKay has completed 75 years. This shop is currently operated by the third generation. 

 The 75th anniversary of this business was celebrated on 26th July 2023.

 “This business is from 1948 so, it is quite popular among locals and tourists” Lina Chininea said.

 Lina Chininea is the current assistant manager who is been working from 5 years.

 Today, the business has grown a lot. Starting from a small store, today it has become a tourist attraction. People coming from around the world come to Cochrane to enjoy their special 100+ flavours. The beautiful and colourful single floor building attracts people. The Mackay’s logo on the top is a perfect focus point for clicking pictures.

 “I Have chocolate fudge in my hand, it is so dense and creamy, give it a try” Symon Hayez said.

 Symon Hayez came travelled about 900+ kilometres to enjoy MacKay’s ice cream.

 The first owner of Mackay’s was died in 1983 and then Robyn Mackay and Rhona Mackay took over the responsibility of increasing business on the path of their parents.

 In 2013, the business was again handed over to Meghan and Mark Tayfel. Meghan and Mark Tayfel respected the emotions of their elders and carried over the same product quality and customer satisfaction.

 More than 70,000 people travel to MacKay every year.

 “We are so crazy in summers, but not too bad in winters as well” Lina said.

 Mackay serves 100+ flavours which includes fruity, nutty, and various kinds of chocolates such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, hazelnut based and milk chocolate.

 “I bought white chocolate truffle which is not so sweet and taste so balanced” Liam Jorge said.

 Liam Jorge is a resident of Calgary. He travels almost every week to enjoy Cochrane’s famous ice cream.

 New flavour comes every season which makes Mackay’s more special. For instance, peppermint flavour during Christmas season, Caramel Pumpkin pecan during fall and fresh berries in summers.

 “I got Kulfi ice cream, it is really good, and I really recommend it” Monika Khurana said.

 Monika Khurana came all the way from Toronto to enjoy MacKay’s Kulfi.

 The high fat creme is the key ingredient used in the making of ice cream which makes it smoother and tempting.

 The crème was first made at home from cow’s milk but due to high demand and more traffic owners decided to switch to Cooperative of Western Dairy Farmers.

 The process of cow to cone has remain almost same because the recipes are still inspired by James’s grandmother from first generations of the business.

 “We use a lot of crème in our ice-creams that’s why it is so creamy” Lina said.

 All the recipes used was given by the first generation of the business which are still same in 2023 as the owners say.

 A family run business that last up to 75 is such a big thing. Meghan and Mark are following the paths shown by James which makes it even more special to the whole family.