As Bruster’s Real Ice Cream’s CEO Jim Sahene always says, the business is about opening one great store at a time. That vision, which guides the system of nearly 200 locations, has paid off. Capitalizing on customer engagement via technology, steadily increasing its national presence and evolving as the ice cream category largely remains the same, Bruster’s has proved to be pandemic-proof.

Starting the new year from a position of strength, Bruster’s shared key year-end results including same store sales, which were up 17 percent, total transactions, also up 5.47 percent, and a majority of stores hit sales records. Plus, the company successfully expanded its footprint with nearly 30 agreements, of which 40 percent were purchased from existing franchisees. Plus, there were new openings in:

January 2020 – Austin, TX

May 2020 – Ashburn, VA

June 2020 – Bowie, MD

June 2020 – Polaris, OH

This durability of the Bruster’s brand has also inspired the growth of existing franchisee footprints, many of which are being nurtured in new markets and 25 new stores are anticipated to open in 2021.

“We are proud to offer a business model compatible with the needs of a wide variety of franchisees,” Sahene says. “Our team continues to make a concerted effort to create an inclusive space and looks forward to creating new partnerships for the years to come.”

In addition to the business performance, due to Bruster’s strong positioning, and multi-decade commitment to veterans, the company also earned national accolades from Entrepreneur as a Top Franchise for Veterans late last year.

“Being recognized at a national level for our achievements is an honor,” says Bruster’s SVP, Franchise Development, Greg Danziger. “But when it’s connected to supporting our country’s heroes, it’s unlike anything else. We’re proud to support veterans and military personnel and will continue to do so.”

Keeping with its promise to deliver treats that are A Scoop Above the Rest and continuing to engage customers with new limited time offers, Bruster’s is featuring treats that embrace the love in February.

The new Strawberry Chocolate Cake Sundae plays on the sweetness of strawberries combined with the richness of chocolate cake, cool vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce as a finishing touch.  Classic Cherry Vanilla ice cream is also a premium indulgence made with whole maraschino cherries.