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More than ice cream - A Maine family tradition
For over four decades, Shain’s of Maine has been a beloved destination for families, travelers, and locals alike. What began as a small ice cream stand has grown into a Sanford favorite known for homemade ice cream, classic Maine lobster rolls, and warm New England hospitality.
Shain’s story begins with family. My father, Rodney — a teacher and coach — always planted a large summer garden, and my siblings and I helped as soon as we were old enough. My mother, Barbara, worked as a registered nurse in local hospitals.
In 1965, our family moved to Sanford and purchased a farm. The “garden” grew larger, and soon there were more vegetables than we could use. Neighbors began asking if we were selling them, so in 1967, my father set up a card table at the end of the driveway. That simple stand marked the beginning of Shain’s.
The following year, we built a small shed to replace the card table. What started as extra vegetables quickly became a family operation built on long days, teamwork, and pride in what we grew.
After a few years on Grammar Road, our family leased a vegetable stand on Route 109 in South Sanford in 1972. A year later, we moved that stand to the location where Shain’s still stands today, expanding the building as demand grew.
As the business grew, so did our family — balancing school, sports, and farm work. Shain’s was never just a job. It was where we learned responsibility, work ethic, and the value of serving people well.
In 1980, our family expanded into ice cream, leasing a small shop in Sanford for the summers. We later added a Main Street location where we served homemade ice cream, light lunches, and penny candy — a favorite for families and kids.
By 1984, we brought everything together into one location, transforming fresh vegetables, homemade meals, and premium ice cream into Shain’s Family Restaurant — a place built for comfort, friendliness, and gathering together, just like at home.
Over the years, my parents retired from their careers to focus on Shain’s. My mother, Barbara, passed away in 2002, and we were forced to close the restaurant because she had been the heart of it. We later reopened in 2011 and enjoyed many more wonderful years before ultimately closing the restaurant chapter.
My father passed away in 2019, just before the challenges of COVID. They were both incredible role models whose values still guide everything we do today.
Today, my staff and I will continue to lead Shain’s ice cream production, along with an incredible team of dedicated employees who feel like family. We proudly make premium ice cream not only for ourselves, but for restaurants and shops across the region.
The mission remains the same as it was at that card table in 1967 — serve quality food, treat people right, and build relationships that last.
We appreciate your support and hope you’ll continue to visit, share your thoughts, and be part of Shain’s story.