Over the years Ben and Jerry's ice cream has fueled countless birthday parties, sleepovers, picnics, and virtually all summer activities. But the iconic brand behind punny pints like Cherry Garcia and Karamel Sutra has more to dish out than scoops. Check out our list of little-known facts about Ben, Jerry, and scoop shops nationwide:
1. Ben and Jerry started the biz after taking a $5 ice-cream class.
Childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield started opened their first shop in 1978. Though neither own the business anymore, but both are still actively involved with the company.
2. The first scoop shop was at a renovated gas station.
Talk about humble roots! It's no longer there (it was demolished in 1982 to make way for a parking lot) because it moved to Cherry Street in Burlington, VT, where it still exists today.
3. Ben & Jerry's HQ is a fun-filled wonderland.
In addition to a plethora of frozen treats, the Burlington, VT facility boasts a slide and a nap room. Oh, and fluffy office dogs called "K9 to 5-ers."
4. Ben & Jerry's employees basically get a lifetime supply of ice cream.
They can take home up to three pints every. single. day.
5. Free Cone Day debuted way back in 1978.
Bless you, B&J, for "leaving no hand unconed." It continues to be one of the most exciting days of the year for all scoop shops nationwide.
6. Cherry Garcia was a customer suggestion.
In 1987, two "Dead Heads" from Portland, ME asked for a flavor dedicated to Jerry Garcia. It was the first ice cream named after a rock legend.
7. So was Chunky Monkey.
We're surprised: Banana, walnut, and chocolate are a no brainer, aren't they?
8. Ice cream developers are called Flavor Gurus.
How fancy and exotic.
9. Half Baked is the brand's best-seller.
It just won't leave the fan favorite list. But we're not complaining.
10. Texas is the only state with its own exclusive flavor.
It launches this fall, but the brand is asking for votes between barbecue peach and bourbon pecan pie.
11. Jimmy Fallon pranked B&J customers with an ice-cream—scooping robot.
He's also the only person with not one but two flavors dedicated to him.
12. The Core series requires special, unconventional equipment.
The machine used to inject fillings like caramel and cookie crumbles into the center of your ice cream is the same used in Germany to make sausage.
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