History
This beloved ice cream shop has been a fixture in Buzzards Bay since 1955. It all started when Mr. Wagner built the distinctive stand for his wife Betty and daughter Ann, who ran the business and gave it their names. Though it’s changed owners several times over nearly 70 years, the shop has kept its charm and quality.
Stephen White purchased the business in 2009, adding new menu items while keeping what locals already loved about the place.
What Makes Them Special
Betty Ann’s is best known for its creamy soft-serve ice cream in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and coffee. You can mix these into twists like vanilla-chocolate or try their rotating “flavor of the week” options that include seasonal treats like black raspberry and pumpkin.
For those who prefer scooped ice cream, they offer 20 hard ice cream flavors. The shop has also kept up with changing diets by adding vegan soft-serve (now made with Ripple, a pea-protein base) and Richie’s Italian Ice for dairy-free options.
Their sundae menu includes both simple classics and fancy creations like:
- Banana Royale
- Black Magic
- Upside Down Banana Split
- Strawberry Shortcake
Betty Ann’s isn’t just about ice cream. They also serve up freshly cooked food including:
- Hamburgers and hot dogs
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Their famous clam cakes (described as beignets with fresh clam pieces)
- Onion rings
- Chicken fingers
Nostalgic Atmosphere
What makes Betty Ann’s special is its 1950s roadside charm. The building features a big awning that covers outdoor seating areas with built-in wooden benches and flower boxes. A large parking lot wraps around the building like an old drive-in, creating the perfect spot for community gatherings.
The shop runs seasonally, typically from April through September, making its yearly opening a welcome sign of spring for locals. They generally operate as a cash-only business with an on-site ATM for convenience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or part of the loyal crowd that returns night after night during Cape Cod vacations, Betty Ann’s Dairy Freeze offers a taste of authentic New England summer tradition that’s been bringing smiles for generations.