Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is taking another large leap westward. After opening its first West Coast location earlier this year, Bruster’s, recently named America’s favorite ice cream in a national consumer study, is now headed for South Korea. A 10-unit development agreement for its first Asian shops has been signed with Lee & Brusters Inc.
Site selection for two locations is underway in Seoul and Busan. The first Bruster’s will open in late 2015 or early 2016.
“I became familiar with Bruster’s amazing ice cream when I was living in Atlanta,” says Hye Young Lee, CEO of Lee & Brusters, which was created to develop Bruster’s in South Korea. “Bruster’s premium, freshly made ice cream will be a huge success, as it is far superior to the factory produced, deep frozen product sold by other chains.”
“Lee & Brusters Inc. shares Bruster’s values for serving the best ice cream, while mentoring employees and giving back to local communities,” says Jim Sahene, Bruster’s CEO. “We’re pleased to welcome them to the Bruster’s family. This is an important step in our international growth strategy.” Bruster’s already operates outside the United States with two stores in Guyana.
South Koreans will be introduced to Bruster’s through full-size shops serving ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and other popular treats. Kiosk locations will present a more limited menu. “We are very excited about bringing Bruster’s to South Korea and we are working 24/7 to get the first two shops open,” Lee adds.
Bruster’s, founded in 1989, is experiencing the strongest sales growth in its history and is in the midst of 10 quarters of continuous same-store sales growth. Last year, 45 shops set sales records. It expects to open at least 12 locations this year.
