Farrell’s, Shakey’s Returning to North Kensington

The Party Resumes in 2026, according to signs for Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour and Shakey’s Pizza that popped up across North Kensington this weekend. The signs are posted at the intersection of University Blvd and Viers Mill Road and extend down both streets around Westfield Mall.

For decades, Farrell’s and Shakey’s were favorite spots for birthday celebrations, team parties, and fun-filled family gatherings in Montgomery County. North Kensington officials say their return marks a renaissance in the town's birthday party industry.

To celebrate their return, Juvenile Sales is giving free Matchbox cars or Troll Dolls on every child's birthday. Triangle Lanes has a ‘buy two games, get one free’ offer for parties of ten or more. Skateland Roller Rink is waiving entry fees and offering free skate rentals to the guest of honor.

Some North Kensington businesses are less welcoming. "Shakey's cheese is greasy and they over-char the crust," said Thomas Nash Jr. from Tommy's Pizzeria. Trolley Car Pizza Depot issued a statement reminding residents that it shows old time movies nightly. Hot Shoppes Cafeteria posted a window sign simply saying, "The OG Hot Fudge Sundae."

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour, with locations in North Kensington Plaza and Bethesda, was famous for free ice cream sundaes for children on their birthdays. It featured an early 1900s theme, with employees wearing period dress and straw boater hats, and each location featured a player piano. Having a birthday party at Farrell’s was a rite of passage in Montgomery County until the chain shutdown in the 1980s.

Shakey’s locations in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Bethesda had long rows of picnic tables end-on-end, perfect for youth sports teams. Shakey's featured large windows between the dining hall and the kitchen where kids loved watching as the dough was prepared, sauce and toppings added, and then pizza slid into the oven. At its peak, there were over 500 Shakey’s in the United States. Today only a handful remain in California and Washington state.

It is unclear when in 2026 Farrell's and Shakey's will open their doors in North Kensington.