Ripples has been a fixture in Montreal’s ice cream scene since 1984, when Richard Bernett—armed with a refrigeration mechanics diploma but no experience in frozen desserts—decided to dive headfirst into the craft. The early years were full of long hours and trial and error, but his persistence paid off. Ripples became known for its rich, house-made ice creams, from classic French vanilla to more adventurous flavours like kulfi and green tea—long before they became mainstream.

After 35 years on Boulevard St-Laurent, Bernett finally gave in to the constant demand for a second location, opening a new shop at St-Viateur and Jeanne-Mance in 2019. Larger than the original, it introduced soft-serve, dip cones, and hybrid creations like the “yorbet,” a swirl of sorbet and frozen yogurt. Today, with his son by his side, Bernett continues to experiment, balancing nostalgia with innovation.