Latest news with #VanLeeuwenIceCream
Bloomberg
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Van Leeuwen CEO on Tariff, Inflation Impact, Expansion
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Co-Founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen discusses the impact of tariffs and inflation on customers. He also discusses the difference between grocery and scoop shop business and expanding the brand. He speaks with Romaine Bostick on July 9 2025 in New York. (Source: Bloomberg)
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Van Leeuwen will be scooping $1 ice cream in Back Bay this week
A longtime favorite of New York City, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream—which began as a mere food truck in 2008 before growing into a nationwide parlor chain—made a sweet first impression on Bostonians when it opened its first Beantown location in April 2024, at 55 Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill. Little more than a year later and there are already three more scoop shops in the greater commonwealth, in the Seaport (70 Pier 4 Blvd), in Harvard Square (1 Brattle Sq) and in Wellesley (180 Linden St). And there's deliciously more where that came from. Two more Boston-based locations will soon join their brethren to expand the chain's chilly presence in Massachusetts: Van Leeuwen will open its latest location on Wednesday, June 18 in Back Bay at 400 Newbury Street, to be followed very shortly thereafter by yet another outpost in Fenway, at 86 Van Ness Street, on Friday, June 20. And what better way to celebrate than with some free frozen treats? To commemorate the Back Bay opening this Wednesday, ice cream lovers can enjoy $1 scoops from noon to 2 p.m. And if you get there on the earlier side, you may be one of the lucky 100 first customers to receive a free Van Leeuwen-branded tote bag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (@vanleeuwenicecream) 'We're so happy to continue growing in the Boston area and bring Van Leeuwen to the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods just in time for summer,' said Ben Van Leeuwen, CEO and co-founder of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, per Patch. Following its grand opening, the Back Bay location will be open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Its sister shop on Van Ness Street will be open a little later, in case you get those midnight ice-cream munchies: the Fenway outpost will be open from Sunday to Thursday
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TriNet Launches "Your Path, Our Purpose" Brand Campaign Celebrating the Inspiring Journeys of Small and Medium-Size Businesses
Features TriNet Customers Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Zap Surgical Systems, Good Culture, and Zymo Research DUBLIN, Calif., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TriNet (NYSE: TNET), a leading provider of comprehensive human resources solutions for small and medium-size businesses (SMBs), today unveiled its new brand campaign. Part of the "People Matter" creative idea, the new campaign, "Your Path, Our Purpose," celebrates the unique journey of TriNet customers as they drive change, spark innovation, and positively impact their communities and employees. At the heart of the campaign are vivid, stunning portraits captured through the lens of world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, who once again collaborated with TriNet to bring these stories to life. With a dynamic visual style and stand-out special effects, by the Emmy® award-winning Garson Yu, and spectacular sounds created by artist and film composer Piers Baron, the campaign immerses viewers into each story, starting at the pivotal moment where purpose meets action. It unfolds like a book coming to life, guided by a moving pen, bringing authentic meaning to every frame. "Small and medium-size businesses are driving change, improving lives and shaping communities through their innovation and determination," said Michael Mendenhall, TriNet Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer. "This campaign is a celebration of their impact and a testament to why TriNet exists—to support and empower them at every step of their journey. We are thrilled to partner again with Annie Leibovitz, who has been an integral part of our 'People Matter' series highlighting the incredible ways SMBs are changing the world." Featured Entrepreneurs and Businesses "Your Path, Our Purpose" follows four TriNet customers on their journeys while visually spotlighting the place or moment where something happens for the greater good. Each image illustrates them driving change, innovating in their respective industries, and improving lives. The campaign highlights an impressive group of SMB leaders and their companies, all embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, including: Zap Surgical Systems – A trailblazer in advanced surgical robotics, Zap Surgical is redefining radiosurgery with its ZAP-X platform, bringing life-saving stereotactic treatments to more people worldwide. Led by Dr. John R. Adler, Jr., a globally renowned innovator and the inventor of the CyberKnife®, Zap is at the forefront of transforming healthcare. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – What started as a yellow scoop truck on the streets of New York City in 2008 has grown into a beloved brand with locations across the country. Co-founded by Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O'Neill, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is known for its commitment to craftsmanship, offering eclectic dairy and vegan flavors that delight ice cream lovers everywhere. Zymo Research – Since 1994, Zymo Research has been a global leader in biotechnology, advancing cutting-edge discoveries in epigenetics, microbiomics, and Next-Gen Sequencing. With its innovative tools and global reach, Zymo empowers researchers in academia and the biomedical field to push the boundaries of science. Good Culture – Founded in 2015, Good Culture is revolutionizing the dairy aisle with its line of organic, pasture-raised, and additive-free cultured foods. Co-founders Jesse Merrill and Anders Eisner have turned cottage cheese into a modern-day superfood, showing the power of real, clean ingredients to transform the way we eat. TriNet's "Your Path, Our Purpose" campaign will run nationwide across television, radio, digital platforms, and out-of-home advertising, reaching audiences in major markets, including New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Boston, and Atlanta. With its compelling storytelling and iconic visuals, the campaign shines a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of small and medium-size businesses and underscores TriNet's unwavering commitment to their success. About TriNetTriNet is a leading provider of Human Resources solutions for small and medium size businesses, offering advanced technology-enabled services that include human capital expertise, employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, payroll and payroll tax administration, risk mitigation, and compliance consulting. Our long-term objective is to be the premier provider of HR services for a broad range of SMBs through industry leading benefits, sales distribution excellence, and a world class services delivery model. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Investors: Media: Alex Bauer TriNet Renee Brotherton/Josh TriNet and the TriNet logo are registered trademarks of TriNet. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TriNet Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time Out
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Here's everything you'll eat and drink at the 2025 Governors Ball
Governors Ball will soon return for its big 15th anniversary, as well as its third consecutive year at Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park. And with the fan-favorite summer music festival serving up a stacked performance lineup that includes headliners Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier from June 6 to 8, you're going to need some serious sustenance to fuel the festivities. And, as usual, the Gov Ball organizers are certainly delivering, with 45 food-and-drink vendors taking to the festival grounds this year. On the tasty-sounding spread are both local and national options, including pizza from Roberta's, sweet treats from Fan-Fan Doughnuts, burgers from Smash & Grab, cooling scoops from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, pan-fried gyoza from Destination Dumplings, and much more. Mozzarella sticks, tender empanadas, hot dogs, frozen popsicles—the food menu is packed with a wide array of one-handed snacks that will allow you to nosh and mosh at the same time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Governors Ball (@govballnyc) As was the case last year, fans of the Queens Night Market will recognize several vendors like Mao's Bao, Eemas Cuisine, Twisted Potato, and Matyldas Polish Food, all of whom will be setting up shop at Gov Ball. There will also be free goodies available from festival partners, including complimentary grilled cheese bites from Cabot Creamery and a spicy popcorn chicken collab between Stella Artois and Hot Ones. On the beverage docket, you'll have the aforementioned Stella Artois as well as Kona Big Wave, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, Espolòn Blanco Tequila (pouring margaritas, palomas and "a few spicy surprises"), Hennessy (serving cocktails such as the Berry Mojito, Hennessy Pineapple and the Henny-Rita), 400 Conejos Mezcal, Beatbox party punch and Smirnoff Ice, among others. Check out the full 2025 Governors Ball food line-up below and get your stomach ready! Bel's Fries Berry Stop Big Mozz Butchery & Beyond Cafe Habana Charles Pan-Fried Chicken CVT Soft Serve Dank Nugs Davey's Ice Cream Destination Dumplings Doughnuttery EEMAS EATS Empanada Papa Fan Fan Doughnuts Flaming Wok FUKU Gordos Cantina Gotham Burger Social Club Heady Hibachi Hebros Cheesesteak, Tenders Dogs and More Hebros Gyros and More John's Juice King of Pops La Braza La Newyorkina Mac Truck NYC Mao's Bao Matcha n' More Matylda's Polish Food Nachos Libre Inc No Good Burger Truck Pizza Nova RENEGADE LEMONADE Roberta's Pizza San Matteo Pizza Smash & Grab (Smash Burgers, Fries & Handhelds) Stella x Hot Ones Takumi Taco TEA AND MILK Thai Jasmine Tica's Tacos Try Vegan Twisted Potato Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Walter's Hot Dog Truck, Inc.
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Frios Gourmet Pops: Replacing Its Retail Stores With Mobile Trucks
The rainbow-colored trucks of Frios Gourmet Pops stand out, for a business that has moved almost ... More exclusively to mobile trucks from retail shops. For most restaurants, starting out in mobile trucks or pop-up stores at food festivals or food marketplaces is a way to test its concept and move to brick-and-mortar stores, where they can generate more revenue. For example, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started as a mobile truck in SoHo in NYC and now has over 70 actual stores. But don't tell to Cliff Kennedy, the CEO and owner of Frios Gourmet Pops, headquartered in Mobile, Al., who acquired it in December 2018 when it operated 18 brick and mortar shops specializing in frozen ice pops, drinks and pop holders. In 2020 when Covid started spreading, his customers and everyone else stayed in, children and Frios' business tanked. Currently it has 108 mobile trucks, all franchised, and 3 existing stores with legacy owners in Gadsden, Al., Cullman, Al, and Tulsa, Ok. And the business is growing at a steady pace since it added 24 new owners in 2024 and 10 so far in 2025. When 42-year-old Kennedy acquired the company, he used funding raised from family and friends, without any outside investors. Kennedy himself had worked for 13 years at the family business Gulf Supply Co. in Mobile, Al. where he was born and raised and was ready for a more personal entrepreneurial endeavor. When he stopped on the way home to buy a frozen Frios (the Spanish word for cold) at a stand, he felt immediate happiness and a return to childhood. He ended up in 2018 buying 3 brick and mortar stores in Pensacola, Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama. But Kennedy had an insight that would lead to changing Frios's business model. When he first took it over, franchise owners had 'some mobile carts for events, but the focus of the business was to bring people into the stores,' he explains. When Covid struck and most people stayed inside their houses or apartments, Kennedy realized that Frios 'was a business that comes to people rather than waiting for them to come to us.' He also came to the conclusion that it was an 'events-based business. It's a lot easier to go to an event with a captive audience of 1,000 individuals than getting 1,000 individuals to walk into your store.' Having a retail store meant owners were paying people to open up, but 'people may not walk in or buy pops,' he points out. Changing Its Business Model So Kennedy altered Frios's business model, moving to predominantly mobile trucks and not actual retail stores. At the time of Covid, landlords were increasingly flexible about terminating leases, he explains. Lowering Costs Moving to mobile trucks reduced costs for Frios's franchisees in a variety of ways including: 1) Lower labor costs, 2) No utility bills, 3) Lower insurance, 4) No 10-year leases, 5) No need for furniture and limited equipment. Kennedy says franchises have several options regarding the mobile trucks including buying, leasing, or renting but the majority uses its leasing program. Asked to compare Frios's mobile trucks to Carvel's, he replies that 'Those are food trucks. We are an ice cream truck. They have to make product. Ours are prepackaged and much easier to operate.' Its trucks are called a Sweet Ride, which is a tie-dyed rainbow wrapped sprinter van and costs about $100,000 to renovate. It also offers a Happiness Hauler, a smaller, more affordable option, and a less expensive, freezer cart option. Many diversify their fleets. Minimal Equipment Makes It Easier to Operate He says all owners need to operate their business are a freezer and a serving window, and that's it. 'No machines to clean and no grease traps like food trucks,' he adds. He says it costs about half the price to operate its mobile trucks rather than opening a full retail store. The frozen pops are produced at its Mobile, Al. headquarters and then shipped in coolers with dry ice across the country. Kennedy says Frios has attracted a variety of franchisees including former teachers, trauma nurses, veterans, corporate executives, empty-nesters, and some millennials and Gen Z's who prefer to be their own boss. Franchisees have a variety of options in how they organize their day, such as, attending a baseball tournament with hundreds of people attending, or arriving each day at an elementary school where children are let out at 3 p.m. or going to a park where crowds gather. Most franchisees offer about a dozen ice pop flavors a day, though they have 40 options to choose from. Some of the most popular flavors include cookie 'n cream and blue raspberry. Since more Americans are opting for healthier food, Kennedy calls its product a 'permissible indulgence.' It's also introduced a healthy Frios Plus Protein bar with 15 grams of protein to appeal to customers who are more health conscious. He notes that it's not a 365-days a year business but is highly seasonal, and, the off-season, gives franchisees a break from the everyday grind. If the weather is bad, the trucks can move to selling at gyms or offices. A year from today, Kennedy expects to expand to about 150 locations. It's also gone beyond the south into places such as Phoenix, Az. and Detroit, Mich. He describes the keys to its success as: 1) Taking care of franchisees, that's first and foremost, 2) Innovating by creating new flavors, 3) Diversifying and keeping pace with new trends including AI or whatever the future brings.
