Carvel Celebrates 75 Years of the Flying Saucer Sandwich
Carvel is celebrating a significant milestone as its classic Flying Saucer Sandwich marks its 75th anniversary. This delightful treat, inspired by the UFO phenomenon of the 1950s, features soft serve vanilla ice cream nestled between two chocolate wafers. Tom Carvel, the founder, introduced this ice cream sandwich in 1951.
The design and name of the Flying Saucer were evidently influenced by the UFO craze that captured the nation’s imagination back in the day. Notably, in 1947, a widely publicized sighting of a “flying saucer” by a pilot led to a surge of similar reports across the U.S., which undoubtedly contributed to the dessert’s popularity in the 1950s, coinciding with the opening of Carvel’s 100th store.
Tom Carvel started his ice cream business in 1934 when his truck broke down in Hartsdale, New York. Customers quickly fell in love with the soft serve texture, which eventually helped establish the first retail ice cream franchise in the country.
“From the humble beginnings of Tom Carvel’s roadside stand to the iconic flying saucer rooted in the 1950s UFO fascination, our brand has always embodied imagination and fun,” said Marissa Sharpless, Carvel’s vice president of marketing.
The Flying Saucer has remained one of Carvel’s most beloved items, alongside the renowned ice cream cake, with over 2 million sold last year. The company believes its longevity is due to its nostalgic appeal and timeless taste. It seems this dessert resonates with people across different generations, passed down from parents to their kids, who in turn become fans because the flavor hasn’t changed.
On its anniversary, which conveniently aligns with the first day of spring, Carvel will offer the Flying Saucer for just 75 cents at select locations. To embrace the celebratory theme, an oversized inflatable flying saucer has “crash-landed” at some historic stores in Coney Island, Massapequa, and West Palm Beach, reflecting Carvel’s deep-rooted connections to its origins.
Currently, Carvel boasts over 300 locations in the U.S. and many around the world. As part of the weekend celebration, Loyal Members can pick up a 6-pack of Flying Saucers for $7.50, and there’s a weekday promotion offering 50% off 6-packs from Monday to Thursday.
