Ample Hills
IndustryIce cream
Founded2010
FoundersBrian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna
Key people
Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna
Websitewww.amplehills.com

Ample Hills is an American ice cream company. Founded by Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna as a pushcart in 2010, the company became known for its "playful" flavors. Their first storefront, in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, opened in 2011, selling out 130 gallons of ice cream in just 4 days.[1] It soon expanded into a chain prominent in New York City, with additional locations at one point in Disney World and Los Angeles.[2]

The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2020 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic due to operating losses from its Red Hook factory,[3] and other self-described business mistakes.[4] Schmitt Industries acquired Ample Hills from bankruptcy for $1 million.[5] The founders signed a lease to open a new ice cream company and shop, the Social, in March 2021.[6] Due to failure to pay rent and expenses, Schmitt Industries closed all Ample Hills locations on December 19, 2022.[7]

Ample Hills reopened in June 2023, with original owners Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna having bought it back after it went into receivership.[8] However, by late 2023, the pair had exited the still-operating company.[9]

References

  1. ^ Gootman, Elissa (June 2, 2011). "So Successful a New Ice Cream Shop Closes After 4 Days". The New York Times. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  2. ^ Kang, Matthew (January 27, 2020). "Ample Hills Creamery closes flagship Los Feliz location after 15 months". Eater LA. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  3. ^ Adams, Erika (March 16, 2020). "Popular Ice Cream Chain Ample Hills Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy". Eater NY. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  4. ^ Rubin, Courtney (February 5, 2021). "The Shocking Meltdown of Ample Hills — Brooklyn's Hottest Ice Cream Company". Marker. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  5. ^ Adams, Erika; Warerkar, Tanay (June 23, 2020). "Ice Cream Chain Ample Hills Acquired by Manufacturing Company for $1M After Bankruptcy". Eater NY. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  6. ^ Sytsma, Alan (March 16, 2021). "Ample Hills' Founders Return With a New Shop and a New Focus". New York. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  7. ^ "All Ample Hills ice cream shops close indefinitely". January 11, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  8. ^ Moskin, Julia (June 16, 2023). "After an Epic Meltdown, Ample Hills Creamery Aims to Rise Again". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  9. ^ Moskin, Julia (November 29, 2023). "Ample Hills Founders Are Out of the Business Again". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

Further reading

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