Van Leeuwen Ice Cream was recently announced as one of the tenants set to come to The Swift Building. A permit for the new ice cream shop shows that the new sweets storefront will open at 621 Waverly Street, Suite 154.
Construction on The Swift Building Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop is expected to start in June and is slated to wrap up by the beginning of September for a fall opening.
“Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is bringing a little extra sweetness to The Heights with the announcement of its fourth Houston location, set to open at The Swift BLDG in late 2026,” the press release announcing the exciting addition to The Swift Building reads.
“The expansion follows the brand’s last Houston opening in 2022 at Radom Capital’s Montrose Collective.”
This will be the fourth Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop to open in Houston. There are more than a hundred shops throughout the country, with storefronts concentrated in New York, California, and Massachusetts.
“Van Leeuwen began as a yellow scoop truck on the streets of NYC in 2008 by Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill, who were on a mission to make good ice cream from good ingredients that makes you feel good,” the press release reads.
“Their French-style ice cream (made with more than double the amount of egg yolks as standard ice cream) quickly gained a loyal following.”
The brand is nationally known for its creative seasonal flavors and unexpected collaborations, including one with NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’s illustrious flavors include Mango Sticky Rice, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and Ice Cream Cake, just to name a few. The ice cream brand also offers vegan ice cream in flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Banan Bread Pudding with Fudge Swirls, and Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
At the helm of the new Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop to come to Houston is franchisee Mike McGrath. What Now Houston briefly spoke with McGrath about the upcoming opening. McGrath confirmed the shop would be coming to The Swift Building but was unable to share more details by the time of this publication.
What Now Houston also reached out to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream President and COO Corey Segal, but did not hear back by the time of this publication.
“Van Leeuwen’s new location at the Swift BLDG will occupy approximately 1,300 square feet,” the press release reads.
“The interior will embrace historical elements with original concrete floors, large industrial columns, and an exposed ceiling.”
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is anticipated to open in The Swift Building at 621 Waverly Street, Suite 154, in late 2026.
