“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” We’ve all heard and probably sung this since we were kids, and the song never goes out of style. And let’s face it, ice cream will never go out of style either. Speaking of classics, did you know that the iconic Rocky Road ice cream flavor was invented in Northern California? Ready your taste buds as we traverse along a little journey with its inventor – Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.

Although there are two historical schools of thought as to the original inventor of Rocky Road ice cream, it is widely credited to Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.
L Jeffery/Google Maps
The company was founded in Oakland in 1928 when William Dreyer, an ice cream maker, and Joseph Edy, a candy maker, created Dreyer’s and EDY’s® Ice Cream. It wasn’t until 1948 that the company was renamed Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (pictured here is their location at Pier 39 in San Francisco).
The story goes that in an attempt to lift the spirits of their customers during the Great Depression, the two founders put their heads together to offer something uniquely different.
Dreyer’s Facebook Page
So, in 1929, they took their already popular chocolate flavor, mixed in pillowy marshmallows and crunchy almonds, and as they say, the rest is history.
Almost 100 years later, Rocky Road is still a hit and one of the most recognized and beloved ice cream flavors in the world.
Dreyer’s Facebook Page
And it’s not just eaten in a cup, bowl, or on a cone. You can find it used in recipes including sundaes, shakes, and Rocky Road Ice Cream Cake fashioned with brownie mix.

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Rocky Road ice cream options have grown as the company has grown as well.
Dreyer’s Facebook Page
Today you can enjoy a variety of flavors from their special "Rocky Road Collection," like Brownie Brick Road, Salted Carmel Pretzel Path, and Cookie Cobblestone, just to name a few.
If you’re a traditionalist, don’t worry – the original flavor will always remain a classic.
Dreyer’s Facebook Page
While ice cream lovers today are accustomed to creative ingredient combinations and unusual toppings, when Dreyer’s Rocky Road came about, it was the first ever ice cream that included what they called "mix-ins." I guess you never know when something will change the culinary landscape forever!
Anytime is a great time to enjoy some amazing Dreyer’s Rocky Road ice cream.
Dreyer’s Facebook Page

Taking a page from the U.S. postal service saying: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…” can keep people away from a grand scoop of Rocky Road ice cream!

Have you enjoyed a delicious scoop (or three) of Rocky Road ice cream at Pier 39 or at any other Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream locations in the Bay Area? If so, we’d love to see your photos!

If you’re looking for other Bay Area ice cream adventures, be sure to check out The Ice Cream Bar.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA