Jahn’s Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

 Ladies and gentlemen, step back into the swirling mists of New York nostalgia, where the jingle of spoons against sundae glasses echoed through bustling neighborhoods, and a scoop of ice cream could make any day feel like a celebration. We’re talking about Jahn’s Family Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor, the legendary chain that started as a humble Bronx spot but spread its creamy empire across Brooklyn and beyond, delighting generations with over-the-top treats and old-school charm. If you’ve ever dreamed of tackling a dessert big enough to feed a family—or wondered about the ghosts of Brooklyn’s bygone parlors—this is the sweet scoop on Jahn’s history in the borough.

Our tale begins way back in 1897, when German immigrant John Jahn opened his first ice cream parlor at 138th Street and Alexander Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. It was a classic turn-of-the-century setup: Soda fountains fizzing with root beer floats, antique decor on the walls, and handmade confections that drew locals like bees to honey. Jahn took a five-year hiatus starting in 1918, leaving the shop in the hands of his children—Elsie, Frank, and Howard—who kept the scoops coming. Upon his return, John expanded the family business, opening dedicated locations for each kid: Jamaica for Elsie, Richmond Hill for Frank, and Flushing for Howard, all in Queens. This family-driven growth set the stage for Jahn’s to become a regional powerhouse, blending restaurant fare with parlor sweets.

By the 1950s, Jahn’s hit its stride, ballooning to over 30 locations across New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and even Florida. Brooklyn became a key stronghold, with parlors popping up in neighborhoods hungry for that nostalgic vibe. The most popular was in Flatbush, but others thrived in Marine Park, Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay, and Bensonhurst—think Nostrand Avenue and Avenue Z, where families flocked after beach days or movies for a taste of indulgence. These spots were more than eateries; they were community hubs, decked out with vintage tin ceilings, wooden booths, and walls lined with curios from yesteryear. Brooklynites reminisce about Saturday night lineups stretching down the block, kids pressing noses against glass cases filled with colorful ices and cakes.

What made Jahn’s unforgettable? The menu, my friends—a symphony of sugar and whimsy. Signature sundaes like the massive Kitchen Sink (a behemoth with every flavor, topping, and sauce imaginable, served in a metal sink-shaped bowl to share among friends) stole the show, alongside quirky delights such as the Boilermaker, Suicide Frappé, Screwball’s Delight, the Joe Sent Me, and the (#”&’$?/) Special. These weren’t just desserts; they were events, often piled high with whipped cream, nuts, fruits, and syrups. The parlors also served hearty diner fare—burgers, sandwiches, and salads—to round out the experience, making Jahn’s a go-to for dates, family outings, and post-game treats in Brooklyn’s vibrant scenes.

The golden era peaked in the mid-20th century, but like many old-school chains, Jahn’s faced headwinds by the 1980s and ’90s. Changing tastes, suburban flight, and competition from modern fast-food spots led to gradual closures. Brooklyn’s locations faded one by one—the Flatbush flagship shuttered, followed by others in the borough, leaving echoes of laughter and sticky fingers. By 2007, only two remained: one in Richmond Hill, Queens, which closed that November (or 2008, per some accounts), and the sole survivor at 81-04 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. This last outpost, opened in the 1950s and run by dedicated owners, keeps the flame alive with the Kitchen Sink and retro flair, though it’s more diner than parlor these days.

As of December 2025, Jahn’s legacy endures in memories and online forums, where Brooklyn natives swap stories of first dates over sundaes or epic Kitchen Sink challenges. No new revivals, but the Jackson Heights spot stands as a living museum, drawing nostalgia seekers from across the city. In a Brooklyn that’s traded many parlors for trendy cafes, Jahn’s reminds us of simpler times—immigrant ambition swirled with sweetness. So, if you’re near Queens, grab a spoon and taste history. Thanks for joining this frosty flashback—now go chase some scoops!

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