Assemblyman Josh Hoover recently recognized Leatherby’s Family Creamery its 2026 Small Business of the Year for California’s 7th Assembly District. Citrus Heights Mayor Mari-Jane Lopez-Taff extended her best wishes on behalf of the city as did Sheri Merrick, executive director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It was time to proudly put a cherry on top and celebrate.

Assemblyman Josh Hoover recently recognized Leatherby’s Family Creamery its 2026 Small Business of the Year for California’s 7th Assembly District.

Hoover presented a special certificate of recognition on a busy Tuesday late afternoon at the Citrus Heights parlor to Dave Leatherby, Jr., son of founder Dave Leatherby, as family members and store staff looked on. Citrus Heights Mayor Mari-Jane Lopez-Taff extended her best wishes on behalf of the city as did Sheri Merrick, executive director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Surrounding the brief ceremony, it was typically business as usual as a busy Tuesday afternoon rush of customers filled the parlor’s nearby tables and Leatherby’s servers quickly took their orders.

Dave Leatherby, Jr., son of founder Dave Leatherby, stands next to 30-year employee Kari Erickson inside Leatherby’s Family Creamery in Citrus Heights.

Some simply smiled at an arriving well-garnished sundae stacked high before them and wondered how they were going to finish that.

“Leatherby’s Family Creamery exemplifies the very best of what a small business can be,” Hoover wrote in his presentation certificate.

“Their commitment to excellence, family values, community service and local investment has strengthened the Sacramento region and positively impacted countless lives over the past four decades,” he said.

“I am proud to recognize Leatherby’s Family Creamery as the 2026 Small Business of the Year for the 7th Assembly District and look forward to seeing their continued success for many years to come.”

Hoover later took time to enjoy a Leatherby’s sundae following the ceremony when his official duties were done.

Operated by David Jr., his brother Alan, and their sons Jake and Matt, Leatherby’s Family Creamery employs over 500 young people and supports many local organizations, charities, schools, teams, clubs and causes including “Daddy Daves Deeds of Excellence Program” which helps teachers recognize exceptional students.

Leatherby’s Family Creamery operates five locations in the greater Sacramento area including the cities of Citrus Heights and Folsom, and serves approximately 200,000 customers each month, according to the company.

The first Leatherby’s location opened on Arden Way in Sacramento after Dave Sr., Sally and their son Dave Jr. pooled their resources to launch the business together.

In 1989, a flyover of the not-yet-incorporated city of Citrus Heights in an emerging suburban neighborhood near the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Antelope Road caught the eye of founder Dave Leatherby, Sr. as a good location for a new parlor.

A vacant 5,600-square-foot retail site was discovered at the corner of Antelope and Sunrise in that neighborhood, which had once been an ice cream store and already had the existing freezer space in place to begin operations, was then available for lease.

The interior was soon refreshed with a blue and white theme, and classic wrought-iron ice cream parlor tables and chairs were added.

Under the leadership of David Jr., Alan Leatherby and the next generation of the family, the business continues to expand while maintaining the hospitality and atmosphere that defined it from the beginning.

Over the years, customers young and old have fond memories of challenging and devouring a “Daddy Dave” sundae which features a half-gallon’s worth of ice cream and hearty mix of toppings.

Dave “Daddy Dave” Leatherby passed away in March 2019 at the age of 81, but the family continues operating the creameries today using the same recipes, traditions and table-service approach that helped make the business a regional favorite for more than 40 years.

On average, Leatherby’s Family Creamery serves 25,000 gallons of ice cream to as many as 200,000 customers each month and employs more than 500 young people.

Kari Erickson transferred to the Citrus Heights location from the Sacramento creamery not long after it opened. She recently marked her 30th anniversary of work with Leatherby’s and all four of her children have worked at the Citrus Heights location.

Citrus Heights manager Mike Cremins recalls started with Leatherby’s at age 16.

In all, 28 ice cream flavors are regularly featured at the Citrus Heights parlor with seasonal flavors added regularly.

Surrounding the brief ceremony, it was business as usual as a busy Tuesday afternoon rush of customers filled the parlor’s nearby tables and Leatherby’s servers quickly took their orders.

Leatherby’s is well known for its large sundae portions. All single and multiple scoop sundaes, creations and splits are generously topped with homemade whipped cream and a cherry. Chopped almonds are served separately, upon request.

In addition to ice cream, Leatherby’s is also known for its specialty and deli sandwiches, homemade chili, burgers, soups and salads. A senior menu is also available.

Ice cream parlor dishes are named after individual Leatherby family members. Old fashioned sundaes are served with vanilla ice cream and a choice of one single topping: marshmallow, strawberries, pineapple, raspberries or homemade caramel, chocolate, hot fudge or creamy peanut butter topping.

Customers who choose to indulge can try to polish off legendary Daddy Dave’s Banana Split Special which includes approximately a half gallon of ice cream and plenty of toppings can earn a photo on the Daddy Dave Wall of Fame.

Creations include Alan’s Black & Tan, featuring creamy vanilla and toasted almond ice cream (Dave Leatherby’s own favorite ice cream), drowned in homemade caramel and chocolate fudge. Other favorites include Rita’s Strawberry Shortcake, with juicy strawberries layered between vanilla ice cream and tasty shortcake; and Jennifer’s Brownie Delight, a chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream and topped off with homemade hot fudge.

Hoover represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom and Rancho Cordova, along with the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale and Rosemont.

Leatherby’s Family Creamery at 7910 Antelope Road near the corner of Sunrise Boulevard is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight. Call 916-729-4021 for information or visit: https://leatherbys.net to view a sample menu.