Generations of Newfoundlanders grew up enjoying the special treat of a Lar’s Custard Cone. Lar’s namesake convenience shop in downtown St. John’s successfully operated for decades but eventually closed in the early 2000s. However, its famous custard cones have since been revived by a local pub. With fans of all ages across the province, Lar’s secret recipe for his homemade custard lives on.

Opening shop

In 1954, Lar and Winnie Crocker opened Lar’s Convenience in downtown St. John’s at 79 New Gower Street. The small shop sold necessities for local residents, as well as fresh fruit (a rarity on the island at the time) and its famous Lar’s Custard Cones.

Many locals have memories of marveling at the shop’s beautiful fresh fruit window displays and, of course, the taste of its custard cones. Originally sold for about 5-10 cents per cone, the affordable price and great taste kept people coming back for more.

 

Maintaining traditions

The Crockers kept their shop going through thick and thin for decades. Over time, they added new treats like candy apples, but nothing could compare to the popularity of their frozen custard. When Lar passed away in the ‘90s, Winnie operated the store on her own for nearly a decade. But after 49 years in business, she decided it was time to close shop in 2003.

After Lar’s Convenience closed, the building became a deli and later a café before it was purchased in 2018 by Tom Nemec and Chris Andrews, who transformed it into The Newfoundland Embassy Pub & Eatery. Paying homage to the historic building, in addition to drinks and food the business partners acquired the rights to sell Lar’s Custard Cones. On opening day, Winnie Crocker herself came down and helped serve cones.

After about a year and a half in business, The Embassy’s general manager Niall Hickey took over and now co-owns the pub with his sister Meghan and brother Brendan. Of course, the siblings still serve Lar’s Custard Cones (with Winnie’s permission).

 

Generations of Newfoundlanders now visit The Embassy for Lar’s frozen custard. Niall Hickey says he can usually judge someone’s age by how much they used to pay for a cone. He also shared a story of a grandmother getting emotional while enjoying a Lar’s Custard Cone with her daughter and granddaughter. A common occurrence at the shop.

The custard for the frozen treat is prepared by hand the same way Lar and Winnie Crocker did in 1954. When asked about the recipe, Hickey says it’s a spoken agreement and he’s sworn to secrecy. He could share that egg is used, which makes custard cones richer and creamier than soft serve ice cream.

Still serving

Today, Lar’s Custard Cones are still served at The Newfoundland Embassy and this past summer they sold almost 13,000 cones. The pub also uses the custard in its Lar’s White Russian drink and Frozen Burt Reynolds shot. This summer they also started experimenting with sundaes, iced coffee and “ice cream” nachos.

Commenting on maintaining the tradition of Lar’s Custard Cones, Hickey says: “It’s a very big honour and we are more than happy to carry it on.”

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