By Beth David, Editor
McGraw’s on the Porch Ice Cream has been quietly operating for several months on a weekend schedule, but that all changed on April 24, 2025, when the Town of Fairhaven’s Economic Development Committee held an official ribbon-cutting.
Matt and Sharon McGraw have realized a lifelong dream with the opening of the ice cream shop that serves only their home made ice cream.
Town officials welcomed the business, with EDC chairperson Cathy Melanson emceeing. Select Board chairperson Charlie Murphy wished them a booming business.
State Rep. Mark Sylvia gave the couple a citation from the Mass. State House, but not without acknowledging that he attended Anthony elementary school with Sharon. He also noted that the property was once White’s Dairy Farm, so it is like bringing back something that was there a long time ago.
Mr. McGraw spoke for the couple saying it was 36 years ago when he met Sharon at an ice cream place.
“It’s been a long time planning,” he said, adding that they make all their own ice cream and will rotate flavors, offering 16 at a time.
Mr. McGraw thanked the town and all the departments involved in getting the shop open.
“The town was great to work with,” he said.
Inside, a bit away from the commotion, Amelia, her big brother, Bentley, and their adults were enjoying the home made fare. Amelia said her cotton candy ice cream was her favorite.
Bently opted for the mint chocolate chip with crumbles and hot fudge in a waffle cone.
“It’s a lot more flavorful,” said Bentley.
McGraw’s on the Porch is located at 270 Huttleston Avenue (Route 6) in the Lifestyles Plaza. Starting May 1, they will be open seven days, noon to 8 p.m., through the summer. They offer indoor seating, and there are picnic tables in the plaza courtyard.
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- Sharon and Matt McGraw (MIDDLE) cut the ribbon at McGraw’s Back Porch Ice Cream in Fairhaven on 4/24/25, L-R: Cathy Melanson, Chairperson of the Fairhaven Economic Development Committee; the McGraws; State Rep. Mark Sylvia; Fairhaven Select Board Chairperson, Charlie Murphy; SB member Andrew Romano. Photo by Beth David.
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- Amelia hugs her big brother, Bentley, who is eating mint chocolate chip ice cream in a waffle cone after the ribbon cutting at McGraw’s Back Porch Ice Cream in Fairhaven on 4/24/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Matt and Sharon McGraw are all smiles at the ribbon cutting of McGraw’s Back Porch Ice Cream on 4/24/25, a lifelong dream for the two. Photo by Beth David.
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