Abbott’s Frozen Custard, the oldest frozen custard franchise in the nation, is celebrating the grand opening of its first franchise location in the state of Texas. Located in the Dallas suburb of McKinney, at 1520 N Hardin Boulevard, it is the first of more than 100 locations throughout Texas to be opened by owner-operator Southern Scoops, LLC. McKinney, which officially opened in mid-March, is the 38th Abbott’s location across eight states. 

Abbott’s, a family-owned business founded in 1902 with roots in Rochester, New York since 1926, is one of the fastest-growing frozen custard franchises in the country. Abbott’s secret family recipe is one of the company’s secrets to success. Every Abbott’s location churns out a wide variety of flavors – made fresh daily in small batches with only the highest quality ingredients. Beyond frozen custard cones and dishes, customers can enjoy flurries, milkshakes, sundaes, handmade cakes, pies, and more. 

“The quality of the product and the legacy of the Abbott’s brand is what were most compelling to us,” says Barry Barron, president and CEO, and equity partner of Southern Scoops. “We are very excited to partner with Abbott’s. Texas needed a high quality frozen custard restaurant. Just one taste and you’ll know exactly why they’ve been the go to custard shop wherever they’ve opened.” 

Barron continues, “my experience with companies like Papa Johns, for example, taught me the importance of quality ingredients and a quality experience. Abbott’s sets the example. Combine great tasting frozen custard with the highest quality customer service – eat in, drive thru, or to go – and you’ve got an experience that will ensure our customers leave, as we like to say at Abbott’s, ‘Happily Ever After.’” 

 “We are very excited to expand our footprint into Texas,” says Brenden Drew, Chief Development Officer of Abbott’s. “The relationship we have with the Southern Scoops team is very special and founded on a mutual trust and understanding that we all put our brand first. Everyone on the team did an incredible job opening the McKinney location. We are looking forward to many more Abbott’s Frozen Custard shops, just like McKinney, across the state.” 

Like Southern Scoops, most of the Abbott’s franchise owners have ties back to the Rochester-area and a love for the Abbott’s brand. In this case, Adam DeSilva, an equity partner in Southern Scoops, grew up in Rochester and attended McQuaid Jesuit High School with Drew. DeSilva, now a partner with FG1 Partners in Dallas, was instrumental in bringing Abbott’s to Texas. 

“We’re excited to bring Abbott’s to communities across Texas and believe the state will be a significant growth engine for the brand,” says DeSilva. “It’s amazing how many people we’ve met that have ties back to the Rochester, New York area who know of and miss the brand. At the same time, customers who hadn’t ever tried Abbott’s Frozen Custard all raved about the product and their overall experience at the McKinney location.”

The newly constructed 1,247 square-foot, free-standing building offers eat-in with inside or outside seating, a drive thru, and a “to go” offering. Southern Scoops has hired more than 25 crew members to staff the location which will be open seven days a week. 

A second Abbott’s location in Atascocita, Texas opened on April 4, with an official Grand Opening celebration slated for late April. 

With its two Texas locations, Abbott’s Frozen Custard – which started as one stand in Rochester, New York serving frozen custard cones – has grown to 39 full-service frozen custard shops with a diverse portfolio of frozen custard products and novelties, has signed franchise deals that will bring it to close to 150 locations over the next several years. 

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