Taking a step through the glass door of Beth Marie’s on the historic Denton Square feels like being enveloped in the charm of a bygone era. Sunlight drifts through the tall, 19th-century windows, illuminating the retro diner stools and the well-loved checkerboard floors. A soft glow of lights warms the room, while a vintage jukebox hums quietly in the background. Outside, the square bustles. Inside, everything slows down in the sweetest way.
That sense of timelessness is intentional. The original Beth Marie’s sits inside a building constructed in 1876, a cornerstone of the Square. The heart of the operation centers on something equally nostalgic: a nearly century-old ice cream machine dating back to the late 1920s that is still in use today. Built for consistency, the machine can churn 10 gallons of ice cream in just 16 to 18 minutes. The result is unmistakably smooth, dense, premium ice cream made the old-fashioned way.
This is Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain. It’s beloved, iconic, and deeply woven into Denton’s story.
For decades the shop has been more than a place to grab a cone. It’s where families celebrate milestones, college students gather after concerts, and Denton newcomers form their very first local tradition. “We help bring back happy memories,” says co-owner Ken Willis, “as well as create them.”
Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream opened its doors in 1998, founded on a love for premium ice cream and a heart for the community. From the start, the mission was simple: Create the best ice cream in Texas using time-honored methods and local heart.
The original location on the Square became Denton’s instant gathering place. With its historic storefront, vintage ambiance, and hand-churned recipes, the shop looked like it had always been there.
Over the years, Beth Marie’s has grown thoughtfully and steadily. Today, customers can find locations at Unicorn Lake, in Carrollton, and on Grapevine’s Historic Main Street with more wholesale and pint-size retail distribution on the horizon. But even with this expansion, the soul of the brand remains embedded in its flagship store on the Square.
“I think our look and image really make us fit in with the historic feel of downtown,” Ken says. And he’s right. Beth Marie’s feels like part of Denton’s original blueprint.
A key ingredient in Beth Marie’s success isn’t in a churn at all. It’s in the meaning behind it. The owners have a long history of participating in civic life by supporting local nonprofits, working closely with schools, donating to causes across the county, and staying active in local councils.
“We try to be involved in as many things as possible,” Ken shares. “We volunteer with several nonprofits, do fundraisers, go to schools to talk, and make a lot of donations.”
That presence has made the shop not just a business, but a community touchpoint. For many families, a visit to Beth Marie’s isn’t just about dessert. It’s a nostalgic experience.
“We’ve had a lot of precious moments over the years,” Ken reflects. “It would be hard to name just a few.”
That’s the magic. Beth Marie’s has quietly collected thousands of memories, each one now part of Denton’s collective story.
Each Valentine’s Day, the shop brings back its playful “No Peeping” coupons, a popular local treasure that keeps customers returning throughout the month. Its Love Story Competition draws heartfelt entries, many detailing first dates, proposals or long-lasting traditions that began over a scoop.
This February, as part of our Love Local issue, we honor the spot that has helped Denton fall in love for decades one scoop, one story and one sweet, simple moment at a time.
“We’ve had a lot of precious moments over the years. It would be hard to name just a few.”
Ownership History
Original owners Beth Marie and Dr. Randy Cox launched the beloved ice-cream parlor in November 1998, quickly becoming a Denton favorite. In 2003, they sold the business to a local partnership that includes Bob Moses, Ken Willis, and Pat Engelbrecht (originally Jim Engelbrecht). Since then, the ownership team has preserved the shop’s nostalgic charm, expanded production, and grown Beth Marie’s into multiple North Texas locations.