Ice Cream is my favourite thing to eat in the world. Growing up I was satisfied with just a plain double scoop ice cream cone, then later a waffle cone. When Haagen-Dazs opened its first ice cream restaurant in Trinidad I thought ice cream couldn’t get better. Then came Cold Stone Creamery. I visited Canada last year and of course indulged in Baskin & Robbins, DQ’s Blizzard and Wendy’s frosties (yes I gained a few extra pounds).
The Haagen-Dazs experience was unique to me as it was my first ‘ice cream restaurant’ visit. I remember it was to celebrate graduation in 2006. It was so cool to order ice cream from a menu where besides choosing your exotic flavour you had different options of fresh fruit, brownie or cookies and toppings. Or the fondue with friends. Yummy!
Cold Stone Creamery’s concept of “what we do for a living” goes far beyond selling ice cream. Their mission is “we will make people happy” and they do that very well. From the innovative signature creations to the custom combinations, cakes and novelties you can try something different every time you visit.
The ice cream market has indeed changed the way we perceive this dessert. It’s now more about the experience and creation of a custom treat. The positioning and price are premium but the lines are still long. We like to treat ourselves and its a great place for a casual date. These ice cream restaurants serve ‘meals’ because any creation is so fulling and satisfying. The packaging and presentation are pretty for want of a better word. Advertising is targeted and premium. There is no doubt that ice cream shops will continue to innovate and bring new frozen dessert experiences to its customers, including distinctive flavours and creations. I for one cannot wait to see or rather savour what comes next! So do you like it, love it or gotta have it?
