From SanDiegoVille
Lighthouse Ice Cream is preparing to reopen its doors in San Diego’s Ocean Beach more than a year after a fire shuttered the decades-old establishment.
Located on Newport Avenue in the heart of Ocean Beach, Lighthouse Ice Cream has been a community favorite since its opening in June 1997. Known for its signature hot waffle ice cream sandwich and a menu featuring over 30 flavors of hard and soft-serve ice cream, shakes, malts, and sundaes, the shop has been a go-to dessert destination just blocks from the Pacific Ocean.
The fire, which occurred on November 24, 2023, caused significant smoke and water damage to the shop, including the loss of two freezers. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Since then, the business has been undergoing extensive repairs to restore the space and prepare for its return to service.
Lighthouse Ice Cream was originally opened by husband-and-wife team Dick and Carol Ladiges, who brought their passion for ice cream to Ocean Beach after years of international adventures, including an 18,000-mile bike tour through eight countries. Carol Ladiges continues to run the business following Dick’s passing in 2011.
The reopening of marks a new chapter for this cherished Ocean Beach institution. Residents and visitors alike can soon enjoy the sweet treats that have made Lighthouse a San Diego icon for nearly three decades.
Lighthouse Ice Cream aims to reopen on January 18, 2025 (pending inspections) at 5059 Newport Avenue, Suite 102, in San Diego’s Ocean Beach. For more information, visit lighthouseicecreamob.com.
Hooray! Carol is a wonderful person and I’ve been a loyal customer for over 20 years. My family attended Dick’s birthday celebration prior to his passing. So happy to see the store open again!!! Bravo!
Do give us news on exactly when the grand opening will happen. Thank you RAG
Too bad it took so long. Meanwhile, 2 new ice cream shops are coming — Scoops on Newport Ave and An’s Dry Cleaning Gelato Shop on Bacon St.