Hokey Pokey: Bringing New Zealand’s Favorite Ice Cream to Los Angeles
Experience Hokey Pokey in LA! Handcrafted New Zealand-inspired soft-serve, from signature Hokey Pokey to seasonal delights. Now in Century City and Culver City!
When the world feels chaotic, a moment of joy can be found in something as simple as a great scoop of ice cream. For Bud and his brothers, the trio behind Hokey Pokey, Los Angeles’ hottest soft-serve sensation, delivering those moments is their mission. Inspired by their New Zealand roots and driven by a passion for culinary excellence, Hokey Pokey is redefining soft-serve ice cream with bold flavors, handcrafted touches, and a whole lot of heart.
From Music to Ice Cream
The journey to Hokey Pokey wasn’t a straight line. Bud and his brothers, originally from New Zealand, initially made their way to Los Angeles as musicians. But when the pandemic struck, their dreams of touring hit pause. With a shared background in hospitality and a love for great food, the trio turned their attention to a beloved treat from their homeland: Hokey Pokey ice cream.
“Back home, Hokey Pokey is New Zealand’s most popular ice cream flavor,” Bud explains. “We took the traditional style of making fruit ice cream—rustic, natural, and absolutely delicious—and decided to elevate it with high-end, handcrafted flavors.”
Two years later, Hokey Pokey has become a staple at the Westfield Century City Mall, drawing crowds for its signature swirl of premium soft-serve, made-to-order toppings, and a commitment to quality that starts with locally sourced ingredients.
Standout Flavors That Tell a Story
When asked what first-time visitors should try, Bud’s answer is clear: start with Hokey Pokey, the namesake flavor. This caramel-honeycomb delight has not only captivated everyday customers but has also earned high-profile fans, from Lenny Kravitz to Jennifer Aniston.
“We catered an event for Denzel Washington, and Lenny Kravitz came back two hours later to tell us it was the most ridiculously good thing he’d ever tasted,” Bud recalls.
While Hokey Pokey is a crowd favorite, seasonal creations like the pumpkin pie soft serve or the upcoming pistachio white chocolate Christmas tree show the team’s flair for creativity. “The pumpkin pie flavor isn’t just a seasonal gimmick,” Bud explains. “We peel, roast, and spice the pumpkins ourselves, making a puree that’s blended on-site. Every detail is intentional.”
Crafting Perfection
Each flavor on the Hokey Pokey menu is a labor of love, designed as a complete dessert experience. From California Orange—made with slow-cooked oranges and homemade candied toppings—to the festive Christmas tree swirl adorned with custom chocolate ornaments, every bite is a testament to Bud and his brothers’ dedication.
“I create flavors I wish I could have ordered when I went out to eat,” Bud shares. “Dessert was always my favorite part of the meal, but I often left a little disappointed. Here, every flavor is a journey, designed to delight.”
A Bright Future
Bud and his brothers have ambitious plans. With a second location now open in Culver City, they’re eyeing expansion to New York City and beyond. However, they’re determined to grow on their own terms.
“We’ve had offers from investors, even big names like BlackRock, but we’ve turned them down,” Bud says. “For us, it’s about maintaining the quality and authenticity of what we do. We’d rather grow slowly and ensure every store reflects our vision.”
Why Hokey Pokey Matters
More than just ice cream, Hokey Pokey is about creating moments of happiness. “There’s a Steve Jobs quote I love,” Bud shares. “‘If I wanted to make everyone happy, I would have sold ice cream.’ That’s exactly what we do. Every cone, every flavor is designed to bring joy—and that’s the most rewarding part of our work.”