Hillhurst Ice Cream and Confectionery 1921 to late 1930’s

After settling in Calgary in 1909 and working for several years, Salvatore Cozzubbo decided to establish his own business. In 1921, he purchased the building at 1122 Kensington Road NW and opened a store selling ice cream and confectionery items.

James Dipalo in front of the store

The counter featured glass jars filled with a variety of candies, while the self-serve grocery section offered fruits, vegetables, grocery staples, newspapers, and magazines. Family members often helped out in the store, which quickly became a neighbourhood gathering place. Salvatore operated the business until his death in 1932, after which his wife, Rosaria, continued to run the store for several more years.

Rose Dipalo inside her grandparents Ice Cream parlor

The building still stands today and retains its original pressed-tin ceiling. It is part of the historic Arnell Block in Kensington. Over the years, the space has housed a variety of businesses, including Calgary’s first Starbucks, which operated there from 1996 until 2019. Today, the building continues to serve the community as a coffee shop, preserving an important link to Kensington’s early commercial history.

Written by: Theresa Taverna

Sources: Family recollections and records

Photos: Courtesy of the family collection

Editorial Review: Reviewed and formatted by the Calgary Italian Historical Project for web publication.