High's Dairy Store
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gas stations, Convenience stores, Ice cream |
| Predecessor | High's Ice Cream |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Founder | L.W. High |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | Baltimore metropolitan region, Maryland, Delaware |
| Products | Gasoline, Convenience store items, Ice cream |
| Owner | Carroll Independent Fuel Company |
| Parent | Carroll Independent Fuel Company |
High's of Baltimore, LLC, commonly known as High's, is a network of gas stations and convenience stores mainly catering to the Baltimore metropolitan region. As of 2022, the company manages 60 outlets, predominantly located in Maryland, with an additional three sites in Delaware. Historically, High's was recognized as the largest ice cream store chain worldwide, with over 500 locations spanning Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
History
Established in 1928 by L.W. High under the name High's Ice Cream in Richmond, Virginia, the business grew to 16 stores by 1938 when it was acquired by James R. High Jr. In 1941, Convenient Systems, Inc. took ownership as the chain expanded to 50 locations. When Capital Milk Producers Cooperative became the proprietor, the chain grew further to encompass 350 Dairy Stores and Restaurants. In 1987, its outlets in Virginia and West Virginia were sold to Southland Corporation; many of these were either transformed into 7-Eleven stores or shut down.
Historically, fuel at High's sites was supplied by Shell and Citgo. In 2011, High's launched its own fuel brand at a test location in Chester, Maryland. Following Carroll Independent Fuel Company's acquisition of High's on March 1, 2012, most stations transitioned from Shell and Citgo fuels to High's-branded fuel provided by Carroll and underwent renovations. A few locations still offer Shell-branded gasoline. Currently, High's operates from Carroll’s headquarters in Baltimore.
Ice cream
The production rights for High's branded ice cream were transferred in 1989 to Kay's Ice Cream based in Knoxville, Tennessee, which was later purchased by C. F. Sauer Company in 1990. A High's Ice Cream shop continued operating in Portsmouth, Virginia until 2010, serving Hershey's ice cream products. Upon closure, the store preserved its original interior design elements, including the iconic white and black checkered flooring. Today, High's maintains its own ice cream brand sold in quart containers and offers various hand-dipped flavors.