Ben and Jerry’s will no longer be serving ice cream in the center. Pictured is the now empty storefront on Main Street. Photo by Rebecca Gagliardi.By Danni Dunlop
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream permanently closed their doors a few weeks ago to leave Ashley’s the only place to go and grab an ice cream in the center of Branford.Inside the store over the weekend, a former employee was taking away the furniture and he said that he was unsure of the whole reason why the store permanently closed its doors. He said he thinks that they weren’t making enough money to cover the lease.
A spokesperson from Ben and Jerry’s did not answer a request from The Branford Buzz as to why they really closed down. There are four other Ben and Jerry’s locations in Connecticut that are still open.Throughout the student body at Branford High School, there are mixed opinions on Ben and Jerry’s closing since there was always a friendly rivalry between the national chain and the local ice cream franchise, Ashley’s, which is located down the road on Main Street.
“I never really went there, if they were away from Ashley’s Ice Cream they’d do better with business.” Chris Delise, a sophomore from BHS says. “Ashley’s kind of runs the center of town.” However, Stephen Cruz, another sophomore from BHS claims that he is sad that they had permanently closed down. “They were nice,” he said. “Their ice cream was good.”
What do you think of Ben and Jerry’s closing? What was your favorite flavor? Tell us in the comments or tweet us @BranfordBuzz
I want my Chunky Monkey ice cream back. It’s just not the same buying it in a grocery store.
That’s too bad.. I liked having the choice of Ben & Jerry’s or Ashleys. I like them both.
I loved Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, especially Cherry Garcia. Sad to see them go. It’s always good to have a choice of things we love.