David Muir Spotlights Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in ABC’s “Made in America” Holiday Series

As part of ABC News’ annual Made in America Christmas series celebrating homegrown craftsmanship and small businesses, World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir stepped out of the studio this week and into one of New York City’s most beloved dessert destinations: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Founded in the heart of Brooklyn and now a nationwide sensation, the brand welcomed Muir into its SoHo shop for a special behind-the-counter look at the flavors and tools that help define modern American artisanal ice cream.

Just a short walk from ABC’s Manhattan headquarters, the visit captured the essence of what the Made in America franchise aims to highlight each holiday season—ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and the staying power of small businesses that have become community staples. Muir arrived to a warm greeting from co-founders Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill, the trio who transformed a single yellow ice cream truck into a coast-to-coast brand known for its playful flavors and meticulously sourced ingredients.

The SoHo location, with its soft industrial aesthetic and signature pastel palette, buzzed with activity as Muir stepped behind the counter. Rather than simply observe, he plunged directly into the experience—scooping, tasting, and peppering the founders with questions about their process, growth, and commitment to American manufacturing.

Central to the shop’s workflow is a distinctly American tool: the Zeroll Ice Cream Scoop, a product manufactured in the United States since 1935. The iconic scoop, used in Van Leeuwen locations nationwide, contains a conductive fluid in its handle that allows hard ice cream to glide out smoothly—a design nearly unchanged for almost 90 years. For Muir and the Made in America team, the scoop served as the perfect symbol for this year’s initiative: a simple tool, built domestically, remaining essential in modern small-business operations.

Ben Van Leeuwen explained that the company has always prioritized both craftsmanship and suppliers with strong manufacturing traditions. “We want our products—and the tools we use—to reflect quality,” he told Muir. “If we can source things from right here at home, even better.”

From there, the tasting began.

Muir sampled a generous spread of Van Leeuwen’s seasonal holiday offerings, ranging from rich peppermint stick and gingerbread varieties to more experimental creations involving mascarpone, caramel swirls, and delicate spice blends. Known for his unfiltered enthusiasm during Made in America segments, Muir tasted each flavor with delight, occasionally pausing to ask about the inspiration behind a recipe or the ingredients tucked inside.

Laura O’Neill, who oversees much of the company’s flavor development, explained how the brand balances tradition and innovation. “We want our ice cream to feel nostalgic,” she said, “but we also like surprising people.” Holiday releases are often the most anticipated, she added, because they allow the team to blend seasonal comfort with unexpected twists.

The founders also shared how Van Leeuwen’s commitment to simplicity remains at the heart of the brand’s identity. Despite expanding into supermarkets across the United States—including major national chains—the company still relies on the same foundational philosophy: minimal ingredients, slow-cooked bases, and painstaking flavor testing.

Pete Van Leeuwen noted that growth has only increased the importance of consistency. “Whether you’re scooping in SoHo or opening a pint in Arizona,” he said, “the experience should be the same.”

Muir’s visit also touched on the realities of running a small business during the holiday surge—a time of year when customer demand spikes, production ramps up, and every scoop counts. The founders described navigating rapid expansion, supply-chain challenges, and evolving customer expectations while maintaining the boutique feel that first endeared the company to New Yorkers.

Customers inside the shop recognized Muir immediately, with several patrons greeting him warmly and snapping quick photos as he scooped behind the counter. Many expressed excitement at seeing a nationally televised spotlight on a brand they already loved.

As the segment wrapped, Muir reflected on the broader purpose of the Made in America series: shining a light on businesses built on passion, community, and homegrown manufacturing. Van Leeuwen, with its American-made scoops, Brooklyn-born recipes, and national footprint, exemplifies the spirit the series celebrates.

For viewers, the episode offered a sweet glimpse into the stories behind the ice cream pints they reach for at grocery stores or the cones they enjoy on a walk through the city. For the Van Leeuwen team, Muir’s visit reinforced a milestone—one more step in a journey that began with a simple food truck and a belief that high-quality ice cream could be both craft and comfort.

As holiday crowds continue to gather in shops nationwide, one thing is clear: Van Leeuwen is no longer just an ice cream company. It’s an American success story—one scoop at a time.