The Short Story: Sundae in Paris is a locally owned ice cream shop in the historic First State Bank Building in Downtown Paris, Texas. Founded in 2021 by Walt Reep and Ambitionpath Hospitality, the shop serves premium ice cream, homemade waffle cones, affogatos, and 50+ vintage bottled sodas while celebrating community and historic preservation.
The Sweetest Heartbeat of Downtown Paris, Texas
There’s something magical about a town square where the ice cream shop feels like the heartbeat of the whole community. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Sundae in Paris, tucked inside one of the most storied buildings in Downtown Paris, Texas. Here, every scoop comes with a side of hometown charm.
Whether you’re a lifelong Parisian or just passing through on a Texas road trip, Sundae in Paris invites you to slow down, grab a spoon, and taste what makes this small-town gem so special. Let us takes you behind the counter and into the story of how a food truck dream turned into a downtown landmark, and why it’s become the sweetest gathering place in town.
How did Sundae in Paris go from food truck to downtown landmark?
Every great story has humble beginnings, and Sundae in Paris is no exception. Back in 2021, the shop started as a food truck at the Paris Farmers Market, scooping up smiles one weekend at a time. Word spread fast. Locals couldn’t get enough of the handcrafted ice cream, and it didn’t take long before the little truck outgrew its wheels.
Today, Sundae in Paris calls the First State Bank Building home, a stunning piece of Texas history built in 1917. The building rose from the ashes of the devastating 1916 downtown fire that destroyed much of Paris’s business district. Walking through its doors means stepping into more than a century of resilience, rebuilding, and community pride. Serving ice cream inside these historic walls feels like a full-circle moment: a business built on bringing people together, housed in a building that was itself rebuilt to bring a town back to life.
Who founded Sundae in Paris and why?
Sundae in Paris was founded by Walt Reep, who has a deep love for the city of Paris and its history. Alongside Ambitionpath Hospitality, Walt set out to create more than just an ice cream shop. He wanted to build a space that honored downtown Paris’s legacy while giving locals a reason to fall in love with their own hometown all over again.
Ambitionpath Hospitality’s mission centers on historic preservation paired with genuine hospitality, and Sundae in Paris is a shining example of that vision in action. By restoring and reimagining a piece of Paris’s past, the team created a modern gathering space that still honors where it came from.
Why is ice cream such a powerful way to build community?
There’s a reason ice cream shops have been community gathering spots for generations. It’s hard not to feel happy with a delicious scoop of your favorite flavor in hand. Kids, grandparents, first dates, and old friends all end up in the same line, waiting for the same treat. It’s simple, joyful, and universally loved.
Sundae in Paris taps into that timeless magic. It’s a place where a Tuesday afternoon turns into an impromptu reunion, and where a single cone can spark a conversation between strangers. In a town like Paris, where community runs deep, ice cream just makes sense as the glue to holds it all together.
What makes the ice cream at Sundae in Paris so special?
Sundae in Paris takes its ice cream seriously, the delicious kind of seriously. Every batch starts with a premium butterfat base, giving each scoop that rich, creamy texture ice cream lovers crave. Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year, so there’s always something new to try alongside the classics.
Here’s what you’ll find on the menu:
- Homemade waffle cones, made fresh in-house for that irresistible crunch
- Affogatos, made with locally roasted Paris Coffee espresso poured over creamy ice cream
- 50+ vintage bottled sodas, a nostalgic lineup that pairs perfectly with any treat
- Classic floats, milkshakes, and sundaes, built for sharing (or not, no judgment here)
Choose the affogato if you want a grown-up twist on dessert, or go straight for a classic sundae if you’re craving pure, nostalgic comfort.
How does Sundae in Paris support other local businesses?
Community support goes both ways at Sundae in Paris. The shop partners with Paris Coffee to source espresso for its affogatos and works with other local purveyors to bring fresh, local ingredients into its recipes whenever possible.
Sundae in Paris also shows up for downtown Paris’s biggest celebrations, including the Festival of Pumpkins, Mannequin Night, and Mini Golf events that bring foot traffic and fun to the historic district. By showing up for these events, Sundae in Paris reinforces its role as more than a business. It’s an active participant in the town’s story.
Who is Galatia, the General Manager behind the counter?
Behind every great scoop is a great team, and Sundae in Paris is led by General Manager Galatia, who started working at the shop as a teenager four years ago. What began as a first job turned into a genuine passion for hospitality and community.
Galatia’s story reflects exactly what Sundae in Paris stands for: real people, real kindness, and real connection. Customers don’t just remember the ice cream. They remember how they were treated, and Galatia’s warmth behind the counter is a big reason so many people keep coming back.
What does a perfect day in Downtown Paris, Texas look like?
Sundae in Paris is the perfect pick-me-up and a must-stop for a fun-filled day in Downtown Paris. Start by browsing the local boutiques and antique shops, then wander through one of the area’s charming art galleries. First Street Treats and the Plaza Art Gallery are must-see stops for anyone soaking up the downtown scene.
Catch a show at Paris Community Theatre before winding down your day exactly where it belongs: with a scoop (or two) at Sundae in Paris. It’s the kind of ending that turns a nice day into a memorable one.
A scoop of history, a whole lot of heart
There’s a reason locals keep coming back to Sundae in Paris, and it’s about so much more than the ice cream. From its humble beginnings at the farmers market to its home inside the historic First State Bank Building, this beloved shop tells a story of resilience, community, and genuine care, one scoop at a time.
Next time you’re in town, stop by, say hello to Galatia and the team, and taste a little piece of Paris’s history for yourself. Visit sundaeinparis.com to learn more, or better yet, come see us downtown.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sundae in Paris located?
Sundae in Paris is located inside the historic First State Bank Building in Downtown Paris, Texas.
What year was the First State Bank Building built?
The First State Bank Building was built in 1917, after the original downtown was destroyed in the 1916 Paris fire.
Who owns Sundae in Paris?
Sundae in Paris was founded by Walt Reep and is operated under Ambitionpath Hospitality.
What can I order at Sundae in Paris?
Menu highlights include homemade waffle cones, affogatos made with Paris Coffee espresso, over 50 vintage bottled sodas, floats, milkshakes, and sundaes.
Does Sundae in Paris support local events?
Yes. Sundae in Paris regularly participates in downtown events like the Festival of Pumpkins, Mannequin Night, and Mini Golf.