Bruster's is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm serving fresh ice cream and plenty of other tasty treats for lunch, dinner, and of course - dessert!
Bruster's first opened their doors in 1989 with Bruce (Bruster) Reed's first ice cream spot. Bruce believed then, as he does now, that fresh small batch ice cream - all homemade - is a delicious treat that everyone should have access to. His ideology of using fresh ingredients using a plethora of flavors and styles is what made him successful enough to go on and franchise the business. Since he first set up shop Bruster's has grown to an unimaginable size, now over 200 locations, and has done so without sacrificing quality or relenting on its affordable pricing. There are even franchises in Guyana and South Korea!
If you want to find out more about Bruce, his story, and the origin of Bruster's then feel free to click the following link to their website.
What makes Bruster's special?
Brusters ensures that everything is fresh and of the highest quality at every step of the process. This means all toppings are sustainably sourced, all fruit is fresh, produce is delivered regularly, and most importantly - they own their own dairy. This means they not only cut costs on the milk and cream that they bring in but they can guarantee freshness and quality from cow to cone. All Bruster's ice cream is created in small artisan batches made the traditional way. And, it is done so in store. Meaning every time you go to Bruster's for a scoop of ice cream it is rich, creamy, fresh, and totally delicious. It takes a lot of love and devotion to go the extra mile and be so involved in every step of the process. But, that's what Bruce Reed envisioned for his company so that's what happens. The quality and attention to detail that made his first store so successful is what has, and will continue to, drive his franchise forward.
What does small-batch ice cream mean?
When it comes to producing ice cream, or most products mind you, there are two major choices. Mass/large production or small batch. When Brusters talk about their small batch production it simply means that each flavor is made on the spot as and when it's needed. Huge quantities are not frozen and stored for later. No, when a flavor runs out it is replaced by a new one and then someone will make a fresh batch of whatever is needed. It is part of the reason Brusters have so many rotating flavors. When it comes to ice cream small batch production is the only way to guarantee freshness and quality every time. The difference between ice cream made weeks ago and ice cream made this morning is night and day. Brusters wants to produce the best ice cream, so why would you settle for any less? Small-batch artisan ice cream is what made them famous.
Does Bruster's offer dairy-free ice creams?
Yes! Brusters has plenty of amazing dairy-free ice cream choices for you. It isn't uncommon for ice cream joints to have sorbets and Bruster's is no different. They have a constant rotation of excellent sorbets and iced drinks for you to choose from with alternating flavors and a consistent feeling of freshness. Where Bruisers goes one step further by creating delicious, rich, creamy, and so inviting dairy-free oat-milk-based ice cream for you to try. Whether you are veggie, vegan, dairy-free, or simply prefer oat milk - their amazing oat milk ice cream is just what the doctor ordered on a hot sunny day.
Is Bruster's ice cream healthy?
We don't go to an ice cream restaurant to be healthy. Do we? Probably not, but that doesn't mean that ice cream has to be necessarily bad for you. As ice cream goes, Bruster's is on the healthier side as it is lower in sugar and only the freshest ingredients are used. Since it does not need to be stored and transported it is free from additives, preservatives, and other unnatural stabilizers. Since you have total control over toppings and flavors, how healthy your particular ice cream is will largely be in your own hands. Fresh fruit and a nice sorbet are going to be a little healthier than chocolate ice cream with chocolate sprinkles, won't they? But, we don't have to be healthy every day. Ice cream is meant to be a treat, sometimes we want need a little more chocolate in our life. Even vegan chocolate.
The menu at Bruster's changes so drastically from store to store, even from day to day, so it is hard to pin down absolute favorites. Their ice cream is obviously their heart and soul and that's why most people love Brusters so much. When it comes to specific flavors, it depends. Brusters has so many amazing season flavors that it's almost impossible to choose a favorite. If you are enthralled with fall, then pumpkin pie may be your go-to. If you are a summer supporter, perhaps the classic vanilla is just what you need. The possibilities are endless, the flavors are boundless, and Brusters never fails to deliver on quality and taste. Even after 30-plus years.