Sno Cream, arguably Africa’s oldest ice cream parlour located in Nairobi Central Business District(CBD) was started in 1958 by a Tanzanian British artist, Paul Mullen.
The shop has for several years remained a popular spot for Nairobi residents because of its wide variety of affordable ice cream products.
In 1986, the British man sold the business to Wendo Mwapachu and Yusuph Zialor, who ran the business until 1960, when they sold it to an Indian.
The Indian had since run and grown the business maintaining it in his lineage.
However, the business partners proceeded to open another Sno Cream shop in Tanzania in 1961, which Maryam Zialor, the daughter of Yusuph Zialor, runs.
“In 2014, I leapt on the brink of a sinking ship that was Sno Cream. Sales were low, staff morale was affected, and product quality was on the edge of decline.
“When I stepped in, I started working on product quality,” Maryam stated in an interview with The Citizen, a Tanzania-based newspaper.
The 65-year-old vintage-themed shop has been highlighted by renowned Kenyans, including activist Boniface Mwangi, who urged Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja to share information on such historical sites.
“Governor Sakaja should touristically map the CBD, put interesting facts with historical images,” the activist stated.
Journalist George Ndirangu also highlighted the establishment, noting its achievements, including being a member of the Ice Cream Alliance.
“Beloved Sno Cream in Kenya, is a member of the global company Ice Cream Alliance. One of ICA's mandates is lobbying parliaments, media and influencing policy,” he noted.
Customers, both young and old, continue to frequent the shop. Over the years, most of them have remained loyal to the parlour as their go-to spot for ice cream.
