Some time after WWII, during the “Golden Age” of America, Russ Salyards decided to leave his administrative job at UC Berkeley and work towards his dream of bringing the best ice cream to the San Francisco Bay Area. With the help of his business partner John, the two carefully crafted an irresistibly creamy confection that they knew would be the best. On June 22, 1950, Russ opened his first Loard’s parlor at 2825 MacArthur Blvd. in Oakland, California. His charm, paired with his inimitable recipes, brought him the type of success he could only dream of. Two years later, Russ made good on his promise and won Gold at the California State Fair’s “Ice Cream and Dairy Products” category.