Ample Hills: The Sweet Comeback Story Of A Beloved Ice Cream Creamery
There’s just something truly special about a scoop of ice cream, isn't there? It brings a bit of joy, a small moment of happiness, and often, a rush of good memories. For many, especially in New York City and beyond, that feeling often comes with the mention of Ample Hills. This isn't just any ice cream spot; it's a place that has, in a way, carved out a very unique space in people's hearts with its inventive flavors and a genuinely warm spirit. It’s a story, you see, that goes beyond just selling frozen treats.
You might remember Ample Hills from its earlier days, perhaps from a visit to one of its shops in Brooklyn or maybe even while on a trip to Disney World. It was, quite honestly, a big deal, known for its creative approach to classic desserts, and really, for making people smile. So, it was a bit of a shock for many when the company faced some rather tough times, even closing its doors for a while. That kind of news can feel a little sad for those who loved the place.
But here's the good news, the part that makes this story worth telling: Ample Hills is back. It's a tale of resilience, of a cherished local business finding its way back to serving up those delightful scoops. This is about how a company, once a beacon of sweet innovation, navigated some really rough patches and, in a way, came out stronger. We'll look at its past, its present, and what makes it such a special part of the ice cream scene today. It’s a story, you know, that shows how much people can care about their favorite treats.
Table of Contents
- The Origins and Early Success of Ample Hills
- Company Milestones: A Sweet Timeline
- The Roller Coaster Ride: Financial Challenges and Reopening
- The Taste of Ample Hills: Signature Flavors and Creations
- More Than Just Scoops: Ample Hills for Your Celebrations
- Why Ample Hills Continues to Capture Hearts
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ample Hills
The Origins and Early Success of Ample Hills
Ample Hills Creamery started its journey, you know, with a simple idea: make really good ice cream. Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna are the founders behind this popular creamery. They began this venture in 2010, though the first store actually opened its doors in 2011. It quickly became a local favorite, especially in Brooklyn, where its first spot was. People really took to it, pretty much right away, because of the unique flavors and the cozy feel of the shops. It was more than just a place to get ice cream; it was a spot where families could gather, where kids could play, and where, frankly, everyone could feel a little bit happier.
The company grew quite fast, actually. From its humble beginnings, Ample Hills expanded to have a chain of stores. You could find their delicious scoops not just around New York City, but also in places like Disney World, which is pretty amazing, and even in Los Angeles. This expansion showed just how much people loved what Ample Hills was doing. Their reputation for quality and inventiveness spread, and they gained quite a following. It was, in some respects, a true American success story, built on butterfat and big ideas. The company, at one point, was worth a significant amount, reaching about $40 million, which is really something for an ice cream business.
The founders, Brian and Jackie, had a vision for their creamery, and it really resonated with people. They wanted to create a place that felt welcoming, a place where sprinkles flowed freely, and joy was served by the scoopful. This focus on experience, combined with their truly inventive flavors, helped them build what the New York Times once called “Brooklyn’s most beloved” ice cream company. It was, you know, a very sweet time for them, marked by growth and a lot of happy customers.
Company Milestones: A Sweet Timeline
To really get a feel for the Ample Hills story, it helps to look at some key moments. This company has been through a lot, good and challenging, and its history is quite interesting. Here's a brief look at some important points in their journey, which sort of highlights how much they’ve seen and done.
| Year | Event / Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Company founded by Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna. |
| 2011 | First Ample Hills Creamery scoop shop opens, quickly gaining popularity. |
| Before 2020 | Expands to multiple locations, including New York City, Disney World, and Los Angeles. |
| Before 2020 | Company valuation reaches approximately $40 million. |
| 2020 | Files for bankruptcy, leading to temporary closures of its 12 locations. |
| 2023 | Reopens, operating on a smaller scale with five stores across three boroughs. |
| Present | Continues to offer beloved ice cream, catering, and party hosting services. |
As you can see, this timeline, you know, really shows the ups and downs. It's a testament to their persistence, really, that they've made it back to serving ice cream after such a challenging period. It’s quite a story of coming back, in a way, against the odds.
The Roller Coaster Ride: Financial Challenges and Reopening
The journey for Ample Hills hasn't always been smooth, which is, you know, often the case with growing businesses. Despite its initial success and beloved status, the company faced some very serious financial issues. In 2020, a year that brought many challenges to businesses everywhere, Ample Hills actually filed for bankruptcy. This news was quite upsetting for its loyal customers and, naturally, for its employees. All 12 of their locations, which had become cult favorites, were shut down, at first announced as only a temporary furlough. It was a really tough time, and many wondered if they would ever scoop again.
The founders, Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna, had built something truly special, but the complexities of running a rapidly expanding business, it seems, can be quite difficult. The company was, in fact, in bad need of a big scoop of cash to keep going. Financial issues, coupled with changing leadership, made things quite uncertain for a while. It seemed like the sweet dream of Ample Hills might, you know, just melt away. The idea that this beloved local ice cream purveyor could disappear was a hard one for many to accept, especially those who cherished their inventive flavors.
But the story, thankfully, doesn't end there. After facing bankruptcy and working through various financial issues, Ample Hills made a comeback. In 2023, the creamery reopened its doors, though on a much smaller scale than before. Instead of 12 locations, they now operate five stores spread across three boroughs. This return is a testament to the brand's enduring appeal and, honestly, the dedication of its founders and perhaps new ownership. It shows that even after a significant setback, a beloved business can find a way to return, still serving up those delightful perks and sweet neighborhood happenings that people remember. It’s a pretty inspiring comeback, if you think about it.
The Taste of Ample Hills: Signature Flavors and Creations
What really sets Ample Hills apart, you know, are its unique and consistently delicious flavors. They don't just make plain vanilla, though that's probably good too. They really get creative, making ice cream that tells a story or evokes a feeling. One flavor that often gets talked about is the Oatmeal Lace. It's known for being inventive and very tasty. Then there's the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, which, honestly, sounds just as delightful as it tastes, offering a rich and comforting experience with every spoonful. These aren't just ice cream flavors; they're little experiences, in a way.
One flavor that really stands out, and it's quite descriptive, is the Butter Pecan Pie Crumble. This creation, apparently, begins with a brown sugar buttered base. It’s designed to feel, you know, like the golden crust of a pecan pie. Just one scoop, and you might taste Thanksgiving, or perhaps the warmth of the South, and maybe even a hint of your grandma’s kitchen. It’s all of that, just colder and creamier, which is pretty clever. This shows how Ample Hills tries to bring familiar, comforting tastes into their ice cream, making it both new and nostalgic at the same time. It’s a very thoughtful approach to dessert.
Beyond the scoops, Ample Hills also creates ice cream cakes that are, quite frankly, the stuff of dreams. Give them 48 hours, and they promise to deliver a melty, magical cake made just for you. You can start with a soft vanilla cake, add a ribbon of hot fudge or caramel, throw in some housemade cone crunchies, pick your favorite ice cream flavor, and then top it all with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream, sprinkles, cookies, or both. Whether you want a signature cake or something completely custom, they are there to make your celebration extra sweet. It’s pretty clear, they put a lot of thought into every single treat they make, ensuring each one is special, which is, you know, a nice touch.
More Than Just Scoops: Ample Hills for Your Celebrations
Ample Hills is, quite honestly, much more than just a place to grab a cone. They really understand that nothing brightens up a celebration quite like ice cream. That's why they offer catering services that are perfect for pretty much any event you can think of. From weddings, which are a big deal, to baby showers, which are very sweet, and even corporate events, they can bring the scoops right to you. This service takes the hassle out of planning, allowing hosts to focus on their guests while Ample Hills handles the dessert. It’s a very convenient option, and it adds a lot of fun to any gathering, really.
If you prefer to host your party in a place where joy is, you know, served by the scoopful and sprinkles flow freely, you can actually have your next celebration inside one of their scoop shops. This option is great because they handle all the cleanup, which is, let's be honest, a huge perk. You just get to handle the fun, and, of course, the second helping of ice cream. They make it easy to celebrate birthdays for all ages, office parties, holiday gatherings, family reunions, and even bachelor and bachelorette parties. It’s a space designed for happiness, and they take care of all the little things, so you can truly enjoy the moment.
The original spot, which opened in 2011, had some lovely features that made it a great place for families. It included booths, a bathroom, and even a children’s play area. These thoughtful additions showed that Ample Hills was thinking about the whole experience, not just the ice cream itself. This attention to detail, this desire to create a welcoming atmosphere, is a big part of why people feel such a strong connection to the brand. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the feeling you get when you’re there, which is, you know, a very important part of their charm.
Why Ample Hills Continues to Capture Hearts
Even after all the ups and downs, Ample Hills still holds a very special place for many people. Its return, even on a smaller scale, shows just how much this brand means to its community. It’s not every day you see a company, once worth millions, go through such a difficult period and then manage to buy itself back and start fresh. This resilience, this determination to keep scooping, is pretty inspiring. It speaks to the quality of their product and, honestly, the strong bond they built with their customers over the years. People truly missed their flavors and the unique experience the shops offered.
The dedication to making unique, delicious ice cream has always been at the core of Ample Hills. Flavors like Oatmeal Lace and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake aren't just random concoctions; they are carefully thought out, offering something different and memorable. The Butter Pecan Pie Crumble, for instance, is a testament to their creativity, blending familiar dessert elements into a frozen treat that, you know, really hits the spot. This commitment to flavor innovation is a big reason why people keep coming back, even after a hiatus. They know they'll find something special there, something they can't quite get anywhere else.
Beyond the ice cream itself, the focus on celebrations and community makes Ample Hills more than just a dessert shop. Offering catering for everything from weddings to corporate events, and providing spaces to host parties, shows their desire to be a part of people's happy moments. They want to be there for the big milestones and the small joys, making every occasion a little sweeter. This human-centric approach, where joy is served by the scoopful and cleanup is handled for you, really resonates. It's about creating memories, and that's, in a way, why Ample Hills continues to be so beloved. You can learn more about Ample Hills on our site, and you might also like to check out this page for more sweet stories. For unbiased reviews, you could check out their Brooklyn listing on TripAdvisor, where they are highly rated, which is, you know, pretty impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ample Hills
Here are some common questions people often ask about Ample Hills, which, you know, might help clear things up.
Is Ample Hills still open?
Yes, Ample Hills Creamery reopened in 2023 after facing bankruptcy in 2020. They are currently operating on a smaller scale, with five stores across three boroughs in New York City. So, you can still get your favorite scoops!
What happened to Ample Hills?
Ample Hills faced significant financial issues and filed for bankruptcy in 2020, leading to the temporary closure of its 12 locations. However, the company, with its founders, managed to buy it back and relaunch in 2023, which is, you know, quite a comeback story.
What are Ample Hills' most popular flavors?
While tastes vary, some of their well-loved and inventive flavors include Oatmeal Lace, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, and Butter Pecan Pie Crumble. These flavors are known for being consistently delicious and quite unique, offering a really special treat.
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Ample Original: Low-carb Meal Shake – Ample Foods
Ample Original: Low-carb Meal Shake – Ample Foods
Ample Original: Low-carb Meal Shake – Ample Foods
