"Even more than its retro concept, Farrell's was a family-fun giant for its gargantuan portions. Giant sundaes and entrees like burgers and sandwiches comprised the menu. The "Pig's Trough" sundae (a huge banana split) was designed for sharing and group dining, a natural fit for family entertainment. Foodies who were able to finish it won a ribbon that read "I made a pig of myself at Farrell's.""
"Even larger, the "Zoo" sundae weighed a whopping eight-and-a-half pounds. It was ceremoniously delivered on a stretcher carried by two servers. According to a Farrell's menu posted by The Seattle Public Library, most sundaes cost $1-$5. The massive Zoo sundae cost $17.50. The parlor was all about a playful, lively, customer-service-forward atmosphere, and quickly became a popular destination for birthday parties (also giving children free ice cream on their birthdays)."
Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor operated as a popular 1970s mall destination featuring a retro 1890s motif with red flocked wallpaper, Tiffany lamps, and staff in period costumes including straw boater hats. Each location had a self-playing piano providing campy music while patrons dined. The menu emphasized oversized portions and theatrical presentations, including the shareable "Pig's Trough" banana-split sundae and the eight-and-a-half-pound "Zoo" sundae carried in on a stretcher. Prices ranged roughly from $1 to $17.50 for large sundaes. The parlors prioritized lively, family-friendly service, became birthday-party favorites, and inspired ongoing nostalgia on social media.
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