PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, which is in the midst of another growth spurt, is now America’s favorite frozen treat chain, according to the prestigious Consumer Picks 2015 study.
Conducted by Nation’s Restaurant News and WD Partners, the nationwide study rated 172 restaurant chains on atmosphere, cleanliness, food quality, likelihood to recommend, likelihood to return, menu variety, reputation, service, value and craveability. Bruster’s was the highest rated ice cream brand and ranked second in the Limited Service category only behind iconic In-N-Out Burger.
Bruster’s high rating for food quality drove its ranking. “Bruster’s has always served premium, hand-made ice cream,” said CEO Jim Sahene. “With so many new frozen treat chains out there, we are very grateful that our guests honored us with this recognition.”
Bruster’s, founded in 1989, is now in its ninth consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth.
It also is experiencing a franchising boom, with 10 new locations under construction. So far this year, Bruster’s has opened 4 shops, including its first in the Western U.S.
A Los Angeles-area franchise group this month started scooping Bruster’s ice creams in Cypress at the first of its six new California shops. In total, the chain has commitments for 20 more stores, including its second shop in Guyana.
“Over the last few years, we have invested more in product development and marketing, and we have revamped our building design and business model to make owning a Bruster’s more attractive,” Sahene said. “But we still make every scoop of ice cream by hand from high quality ingredients in every shop, which sets Bruster’s apart from other ice cream chains. More than anything else, that’s what matters to guests and why we have such a cult-like following.”
Images available at http://brusters.com/media/multimedia/
Connect with Bruster’s Real Ice Cream online at www.brusters.com, www.facebook.com/BrustersRealIceCream, and @BrustersFresh.
“Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders Today” serves as Bruster's foundation and business platform. Bruster’s features 150 flavors of handcrafted ice cream, yogurt, Italian ice and sorbet, with at least 24 made fresh in each shop daily. There are nearly 200 independently owned locations in 19 states and the nation of Guyana. Click here for franchise information.
