With previous experience in the dairy industry, founder Carl Shaw was approached in the mid-forties by a salesman from Toronto who peaked his interest in producing ice cream at his popular dairy. The ice cream was an instant hit in the ST. Thomas-London area and Shaw's Ice Cream continued to grow in popularity. Carl and his family expanded their operation in 1953 to its current location on Highway 4 just south of St. Thomas, Ontario. As word travelled regarding the fresh taste of Shaw's Ice Cream products, the Shaw family expanded their business to include 40 dairy convenience stores in addition to achieving continued success in the ice cream industry. Shaw's built its reputation on customer satisfaction and personal delivery, a family tradition which is still achieved to this day.

In the late eighties the Shaw family was approached by the Becker Milk Company of Toronto, Ontario. Becker's manufactured a number of dairy products in addition to operating many convenience stores. Becker's was interested in purchasing the family business from the Shaw's, and in 1987 the transaction was complete. At this time, the Shaw's Convenience stores were converted to Becker's stores, and Shaw's Ice Cream continued to produce ice cream under the traditional label.

Today Shaw's Ice Cream is owned and operated by Kristine, Kim and Kelly McLaughlin. After ten years in the ice cream retail business, the three partners purchased Shaw's Ice Cream from Mac's Convenience stores whom had purchased the business in the nineties from Beckers. The three sisters continue to manufacture, retail and distribute ice cream products with the same pride and tradition that began over 50 years ago.