When I step into Bruster's, which is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, it's like stepping into a dreamland of creamy delights. The tantalizing options go beyond just ice cream - they've got your taste buds covered whether you're in the mood for lunch, dinner, or just a scrumptious dessert.
I love poking into the origin stories of the places I go, and Bruster's is no exception. Bruce (aka Bruster) Reed opened the first Bruster's joint in 1989, starting small but dreaming big with one simple principle - everyone deserves the deliciousness of fresh, small-batch, homemade ice cream. Bruce's incredible knack for using the freshest ingredients to whip up a variety of flavors led to the success that transformed Bruster's into a reputable franchise. Fascinatingly enough, this ice cream haven has since spread its wings, with over 200 locations, even reaching Guyana and South Korea!
If your curiosity is piqued and you want more on this ice cream star named Bruce or the Bruster's journey overall, check out their website.
Why Bruster's steals the show?
In my visits, I've found that Bruster's true magic lies in their undying commitment to freshness and quality. Every topping, all the fruit – everything's sustainably sourced. The clincher? They own their dairy, which doesn't just mean they save on costs, they also ensure the quality from cow to cone is top-notch. The lovely, rich, creamy, totally heavenly scoops of ice cream you relish are made in small batches - right there in the store. Seems like a ton of work, doesn't it? Yet, the love and dedication echo in every scrumptious bite, staying true to Bruce's vision.
Power of small-batch ice cream?
Okay, here's the thing about production scale, there are two roads - mega-scale/mass production and small-batch. Bruster's took the small-batch route, which means every time a flavor runs out, someone is behind the scenes preparing a fresh batch. This unique approach is why Bruster's never runs short of new, exciting flavors. The result is incomparable - ice cream made just hours ago is a world apart from something sitting in the freezer for weeks. After tasting Bruster's speciality, I think small-batch artisanal ice cream is their secret to fame and success.
Does Bruster's cater to dairy-free preferences?
Sure, they do! Bruster's has taken inclusivity to heart, offering a host of fabulous dairy-free choices. From refreshing sorbets to dairy-free oat-milk-based ice cream that's hearty, creamy, and oh-so-inviting. You're sure to find your fix, whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, allergic to dairy, or simply in love with oat milk. Their ice creams are just the dose of sunshine you need on a hot, sweltering day.
Is Bruster's ice cream healthy?
Okay, let's be honest. Do we hit the ice cream parlor for a health boost? Probably not. But it's great when our indulgence doesn't leave us guilt-riddled. Thankfully, Bruster's ice cream is on the healthier side with less sugar, fresh ingredients, and zero additives or preservatives. You can even tweak your treat's health quotient based on your choice of toppings and flavors. So, if you're in mood for chocolate overload (and hey, we all have those days), go ahead and dig in!
Well, to pin down a favorite from Bruster's ever-changing, wide-ranging menu is tough. While the ice cream is their raison d'etre, they've got a flavor for every season and every palate. So whether you're all about pumpkin spice in the fall, or can't resist the timeless allure of vanilla in the summer, Bruster's has got you covered. Even after 30-plus years, they never fail to keep blowing me away.
Pros:
- High-quality, fresh ingredients
- Huge variety of flavors
- Excellent dairy-free options
- Homely cozy atmosphere
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Possibly longer wait times during rush hours