Brigham's Ice Cream
Encyclopedia
Brigham's Ice Cream is an ice cream
manufacturer and franchised restaurants. Brigham's is sold in quart cartons throughout New England
, and served at franchised restaurants located in Massachusetts
. It was founded in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts
. Since the purchase by HP Hood, its offices are located at 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940. The company maintains a strong regional identity using regional terms such as "wicked" (extremely) and "frappe" (milkshake
with ice cream
), and makes reference to events with special significance to New Englanders, such as the Big Dig and the 2004 World Series
. At one time there were 100 Brigham's restaurant locations, but this narrowed down to ?? locations, as well as "iScreamworks," located in West Roxbury
and Canton
, Massachusetts
, which exclusively sell Brigham's ice cream. Ice cream is currently contract manufactured by Friendly's Ice Cream.
. In 1924, Edward Brigham opened an ice cream shop, where he sold ice cream and candy, which he made in the back of the store. Originally, ice cream was sold for five cents and sundaes for 20 cents. Brigham's ice cream became so popular, the local police were called upon to control weekend crowds. In 1929, Brigham’s merged with Symmes' Durand Company establishing the basis of today's Brigham's with the opening of three additional stores and an ice cream manufacturing plant. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s business flourished and 20 new stores opened.
In the 1960s, Brigham's merged with Star Markets. Forty new stores ensued offering sandwiches and ice cream in a new colonial-style setting. Later, in 1968, Brigham's merged with the Jewel Companies and then purchased Buttrick's, a small chain of colonial-style restaurants in Arlington, Massachusetts
. This location became the Brighams new home office until its sale to HP Hood, at which time this location was closed. At its height, Brigham’s had 100 restaurants in the New England area. In 1982, Jewel Companies sold Brigham's to privately-held owners. Responding to consumer demands, Brigham's debuted quarts of its ice cream in supermarkets in 1983 and today boasts distribution in every major supermarket in New England.
Brigham's bought Élan Frozen Yogurt in 1993, to expanding and improve the menu towards the ever-growing frozen-dessert industry. The purchase enabled Brigham's to enter the New York region as well as additional demographic markets. In 2003, Brigham's launched its first novelty—the Brigham's Ice Cream Bar.
On June 27, 2008, Brigham's was split into two companies, and sold to HP Hood LLC and Luke Cooper of Deal Metrics, LLC. Hood acquired the Brigham's brand name and all products, proprietary flavors and recipes. In a separate deal, Brigham's agreed to sell its 28 retail outlets and restaurants to Baltimore-based Deal Metrics LLC. But if you go to the Brigham's website the contact for the restaurants is New England Foodservice llc of Wilmington, Mass, an entity owned by Deal Metrics. Pre-packaging of Brigham's Ice Cream for sale in supermarkets was contracted to Friendly Ice Cream of Wilbraham, Mass. At that time there were about 21 locations.
Deal Metrics or New England Foodservice soon ran into financial trouble, and eventually all company-owned restaurants were closed. Franchised locations continued to operate.
Hood, identified as BIC Acquisitions, LLC, continues to market Brigham's ice cream in stores and owns the trademarks and official website.
Ice Cream flavor, Raspberry Lime Rickey Sherbet and Irish Coffee. In 2004 Brigham’s celebrated its 90th anniversary with the introduction of the new Reverse the Curse Ice Cream Flavor. The next year, after the Boston Red Sox
won the World Series, Reverse the Curse, was re-named Curse Reversed by a New England-wide election. Later, it was renamed Dice-Kream, after Daisuke Matsuzaka
joined the Red Sox. The new flavor’s launch became the most successful in Brigham’s history. Nevertheless, Brigham’s signature flavor remains Vanilla
. Consistently the number one selling ice cream in the Boston area, vanilla remains a Brigham’s trademark. Although November and December are traditionally the worst months for ice cream retail sales, these are the months when Brigham's has its highest sales. This is largely attested to the desire for vanilla ice cream during the holidays.
is jimmies. Jimmies were first developed by the Just Born Candy Company, which was founded by Samuel Born, who immigrated to the U.S. from Russia around 1910. In 1930, Born invented tiny hot dog shaped chocolate sprinkles to put on desserts, calling this creation Jimmies, after the man who ran the machine producing them. When they came to Boston (circa 1947), Brigham's was the first to promote jimmies and did not charge for them. Brigham’s continues the tradition of serving jimmies free of charge on ice cream cones and dishes.
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
manufacturer and franchised restaurants. Brigham's is sold in quart cartons throughout New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, and served at franchised restaurants located in Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. It was founded in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts
Newton, Massachusetts
Newton is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States bordered to the east by Boston. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Newton was 85,146, making it the eleventh largest city in the state.-Villages:...
. Since the purchase by HP Hood, its offices are located at 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940. The company maintains a strong regional identity using regional terms such as "wicked" (extremely) and "frappe" (milkshake
Milkshake
A milkshake is a sweet, cold beverage which is made from milk, ice cream or iced milk, and flavorings or sweeteners such as fruit syrup or chocolate sauce....
with ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
), and makes reference to events with special significance to New Englanders, such as the Big Dig and the 2004 World Series
2004 World Series
The 2004 World Series was the Major League Baseball championship series for the 2004 season. It was the 100th World Series and featured the American League champions, the Boston Red Sox, against the National League champions, the St. Louis Cardinals...
. At one time there were 100 Brigham's restaurant locations, but this narrowed down to ?? locations, as well as "iScreamworks," located in West Roxbury
West Roxbury, Massachusetts
West Roxbury is a neighborhood in Boston bordered by Roslindale to the north, the Town of Dedham to the east and south, the Town of Brookline and the City of Newton to the west. Many people mistakenly confuse West Roxbury with Roxbury, but the two are not connected. West Roxbury is separated from...
and Canton
Canton, Massachusetts
Canton is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 21,561 at the 2010 census. Canton is part of Greater Boston, about 15 miles southwest of downtown Boston.- History :...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, which exclusively sell Brigham's ice cream. Ice cream is currently contract manufactured by Friendly's Ice Cream.
History
Brigham's was founded in 1914 by Edward L. Brigham in Newton Highlands, MassachusettsNewton, Massachusetts
Newton is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States bordered to the east by Boston. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Newton was 85,146, making it the eleventh largest city in the state.-Villages:...
. In 1924, Edward Brigham opened an ice cream shop, where he sold ice cream and candy, which he made in the back of the store. Originally, ice cream was sold for five cents and sundaes for 20 cents. Brigham's ice cream became so popular, the local police were called upon to control weekend crowds. In 1929, Brigham’s merged with Symmes' Durand Company establishing the basis of today's Brigham's with the opening of three additional stores and an ice cream manufacturing plant. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s business flourished and 20 new stores opened.
In the 1960s, Brigham's merged with Star Markets. Forty new stores ensued offering sandwiches and ice cream in a new colonial-style setting. Later, in 1968, Brigham's merged with the Jewel Companies and then purchased Buttrick's, a small chain of colonial-style restaurants in Arlington, Massachusetts
Arlington, Massachusetts
Arlington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, six miles northwest of Boston. The population was 42,844 at the 2010 census.-History:...
. This location became the Brighams new home office until its sale to HP Hood, at which time this location was closed. At its height, Brigham’s had 100 restaurants in the New England area. In 1982, Jewel Companies sold Brigham's to privately-held owners. Responding to consumer demands, Brigham's debuted quarts of its ice cream in supermarkets in 1983 and today boasts distribution in every major supermarket in New England.
Brigham's bought Élan Frozen Yogurt in 1993, to expanding and improve the menu towards the ever-growing frozen-dessert industry. The purchase enabled Brigham's to enter the New York region as well as additional demographic markets. In 2003, Brigham's launched its first novelty—the Brigham's Ice Cream Bar.
On June 27, 2008, Brigham's was split into two companies, and sold to HP Hood LLC and Luke Cooper of Deal Metrics, LLC. Hood acquired the Brigham's brand name and all products, proprietary flavors and recipes. In a separate deal, Brigham's agreed to sell its 28 retail outlets and restaurants to Baltimore-based Deal Metrics LLC. But if you go to the Brigham's website the contact for the restaurants is New England Foodservice llc of Wilmington, Mass, an entity owned by Deal Metrics. Pre-packaging of Brigham's Ice Cream for sale in supermarkets was contracted to Friendly Ice Cream of Wilbraham, Mass. At that time there were about 21 locations.
Deal Metrics or New England Foodservice soon ran into financial trouble, and eventually all company-owned restaurants were closed. Franchised locations continued to operate.
Hood, identified as BIC Acquisitions, LLC, continues to market Brigham's ice cream in stores and owns the trademarks and official website.
Ice Cream
Today, Brigham's ice cream products and Élan Frozen Yogurt are sold at grocery stores and supermarkets throughout New England. Brigham's offers its premium ice cream and sherbet in 21 flavors, as well as five seasonal specialty flavors. Élan Frozen Yogurt offers six low fat all natural flavors. They are well known for some of their original flavors including the Big DigBig Dig
The Central Artery/Tunnel Project , known unofficially as the Big Dig and as the Big Dug since completion, was a megaproject in Boston that rerouted the Central Artery , the chief highway through the heart of the city, into a 3.5-mile tunnel...
Ice Cream flavor, Raspberry Lime Rickey Sherbet and Irish Coffee. In 2004 Brigham’s celebrated its 90th anniversary with the introduction of the new Reverse the Curse Ice Cream Flavor. The next year, after the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
won the World Series, Reverse the Curse, was re-named Curse Reversed by a New England-wide election. Later, it was renamed Dice-Kream, after Daisuke Matsuzaka
Daisuke Matsuzaka
is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
joined the Red Sox. The new flavor’s launch became the most successful in Brigham’s history. Nevertheless, Brigham’s signature flavor remains Vanilla
Vanilla
Vanilla is a flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily from the Mexican species, Flat-leaved Vanilla . The word vanilla derives from the Spanish word "", little pod...
. Consistently the number one selling ice cream in the Boston area, vanilla remains a Brigham’s trademark. Although November and December are traditionally the worst months for ice cream retail sales, these are the months when Brigham's has its highest sales. This is largely attested to the desire for vanilla ice cream during the holidays.
Jimmies
Around the Boston Area the most common term used for sprinklesSprinkles
Sprinkles are very small pieces of confectionery used as a decoration or to add texture to desserts—typically cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and some puddings...
is jimmies. Jimmies were first developed by the Just Born Candy Company, which was founded by Samuel Born, who immigrated to the U.S. from Russia around 1910. In 1930, Born invented tiny hot dog shaped chocolate sprinkles to put on desserts, calling this creation Jimmies, after the man who ran the machine producing them. When they came to Boston (circa 1947), Brigham's was the first to promote jimmies and did not charge for them. Brigham’s continues the tradition of serving jimmies free of charge on ice cream cones and dishes.
Flavors
Not all flavors are available at all venues.- Big Dig—VanillaVanillaVanilla is a flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily from the Mexican species, Flat-leaved Vanilla . The word vanilla derives from the Spanish word "", little pod...
loosely mixed with liquid caramelCaramelCaramel is a beige to dark-brown confection made by heating any of a variety of sugars. It is used as a flavoring in puddings and desserts, as a filling in bonbons, and as a topping for ice cream, custard and coffee....
, with brownieChocolate brownieA chocolate brownie is a flat, baked square or bar introduced in the United States at the end of the nineteenth century and popularized in both the U.S. and Canada during the first half of the twentieth century. The brownie is sliced from a type of dense, rich chocolate cake, which is, in texture,...
and chocolateChocolateChocolate is a raw or processed food produced from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico, Central and South America. Its earliest documented use is around 1100 BC...
pieces added. - Black Raspberry—Black Raspberry frozen yogurt.
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Chip—Vanilla with chocolate chips added.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough—Vanilla with chocolate chips and cookie dough chunks added.
- Chronicle Coffee Crunch
- Coconut
- CoffeeCoffeeCoffee is a brewed beverage with a dark,init brooo acidic flavor prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant, colloquially called coffee beans. The beans are found in coffee cherries, which grow on trees cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in equatorial Latin America, Southeast Asia,...
- Coffee FudgeFudgeFudge is a type of Western confectionery which is usually very sweet, and extremely rich. It is made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk and heating it to the soft-ball stage at , and then beating the mixture while it cools so that it acquires a smooth, creamy consistency...
—Coffee flavor loosely mixed with fudge sauce. (Appears to have been discontinued in 2008 under Hood's Management. Available as one of their new "Light Churned" low fat flavors starting in Mid-2008.) - Confetti & Cream
- Dice-KreamDaisuke Matsuzakais a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
(originally called Reverse the Curse, prior to the 2004 Red Sox World Champions title, then renamed Curse Reversed!Curse of the BambinoThe Curse of the Bambino was a superstition cited as a reason for the failure of the Boston Red Sox baseball team to win the World Series in the 86-year period from 1918 to 2004...
, until 2007)—Vanilla with chocolate-coated peanutsPeanutsPeanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward...
and chocolate-coated caramel pieces, loosely mixed with fudge sauce. - Fluffernutter
- Frozen Pudding
- iParty No Bake Cake
- Irish Coffee
- Just Jimmies
- MintMenthaMentha is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae . The species are not clearly distinct and estimates of the number of species varies from 13 to 18. Hybridization between some of the species occurs naturally...
Chocolate Chip—Mint with chocolate chips added. - Mocha AlmondAlmondThe almond , is a species of tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. Almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree...
—A combination of chocolate and coffee flavoring with almonds added. - Mocha Chip—A combination of chocolate and coffee flavoring with chocolate chips added.
- Orange Pineapple
- PeppermintPeppermintPeppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between the watermint and spearmint . The plant, indigenous to Europe, is now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world...
Stick—Mint with peppermints added. - Pistachio
- Quack Tracks—Vanilla swirled with chocolate fudge and mini peanut butter cups.
- Rainbow Sherbet—A combination of Lemon, Lime, and Raspberry flavoring in sherbet.
- RaspberryRaspberryThe raspberry or hindberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus, most of which are in the subgenus Idaeobatus; the name also applies to these plants themselves...
LimeLime (fruit)Lime is a term referring to a number of different citrus fruits, both species and hybrids, which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3–6 cm in diameter, and containing sour and acidic pulp. Limes are a good source of vitamin C. Limes are often used to accent the flavors of foods and...
Rickey SherbetSherbet (U.S.)Sorbet is a frozen dessert made from sweetened water flavored with fruit , wine, and/or liqueur. The origin of sorbet is variously explained as either a Roman invention, or a Middle Eastern drink charbet, made of sweetened fruit juice and water...
—A combination of raspberry and lime flavoring in sherbet. - Rum Raisin
- StrawberryStrawberryFragaria is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, commonly known as strawberries for their edible fruits. Although it is commonly thought that strawberries get their name from straw being used as a mulch in cultivating the plants, the etymology of the word is uncertain. There...
- Turtle Fudge—Vanilla swirled with fudge and peanut butter filled chocolate turtles, with no sugar added.
- Vanilla
- Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
- Vanilla with OreoOreoOreo is a trademark for a popular sandwich cookie by the Nabisco Division of Kraft Foods. The current design consists of a sweet, white filling commonly referred to as 'cream' or 'creme', sandwiched between two circular chocolate or golden cookie pieces....
Cookies - Whoopie PieWhoopie pieThe whoopie pie is an American baked good that may be considered either a cookie, pie, or cake...
—Chocolate loosely mixed with frosting. - Wicked Chocolate—Chocolate loosely mixed with fudge, with brownie pieces added.
- Xtreme Razberry—A raspberry ice cream with raspberry filled chocolate cups and fudge mixed in.