Lappert's is actually two separate companies that both manufacture and serve "super-premium" ice cream, one based in Hawaii and the other in Richmond, CA. The original company was founded by Walter Lappert who moved to Hawaii with his second wife Mary to retire, but ended up opening an ice cream store; his first batch of ice cream was created on the island of Kauai on December 21, 1983; the following year Walter helped his son Michael open an ice cream shop and manufacturing facility in Sausalito, California.
When Walter died in 2003 the company was divided and his son Michael took over as president of the California locations and vice president of the Hawaii locations; the Lappert's Hawaii locations are owned by Lappert's ex wife and Michael Lappert and are completely separate from the California operations.
The California Lappert's operates 2 company owned stores and their ice cream is featured in many other independently owned stores. To date the company has also created 8 unique, original flavors. In addition to ice cream, both companies also roast and sell gourmet coffee.