PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, America’s favorite ice cream chain, posted a 10.5 percent comp-store sales increase last quarter, its best performance since the company started more than 25 years ago.
The announcement comes as the 200-unit premium ice cream chain prepares to open at least 12 new shops this year and enter the South Korea market.
With all but two locations franchised, Bruster’s owner/operators are understandably enthusiastic. “Franchisees are experiencing tremendous growth,” said Scot Reed, who has owned a shop near Charlotte, N.C., for 11 years and serves on the company’s franchise advisory board. “We have stayed true to the brand, focusing on serving a high-quality, premium product. Fads come and go, while people always want great ice cream – that’s what drives customers back time and time again.”
According to CEO Jim Sahene, franchisees deserve much of the credit for the strong performance. “They have invested in upgrading their shops and have embraced our new marketing strategy that sets Bruster’s apart as a ‘scoop above the rest’ in the highly competitive frozen treats segment.”
Bruster’s has been on a same-store sales streak, having now posted nine continuous quarters of growth. Last year, 45 shops reported record sales.
The brand, recently named America’s #1 frozen treat chain in the prestigious Consumer Picks 2015 study, also is having its best year for franchise sales and development since 2007. Bruster’s recently opened its first California shop and signed a multi-unit deal for units in South Korea, which will be its first in Asia. It plans to open at least 12 shops this year.
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.
Named America’s #1 frozen treat chain in the national Consumer Picks 2015 study, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream features 150 flavors of premium, 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.
