Is Ample Hills plotting a comeback?
Ample Hills, the beloved ice cream chain that closed all 12 of its Brooklyn-born locations last year, may soon be back in business. According to Fast Company, the company’s original founders, Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna, have repurchased the business from Oregon-based laser manufacturer Schmitt Industries. The dessert brand was bought by Schmitt for $1 million in 2020 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and expanding to 14 locations in Miami, Orlando, and New York. Ample Hills never reopened after shutting down for at least a week last December due to financial trouble. However, sources predict that the ice cream purveyor’s third rebirth may be on the horizon.
The publication also discovered a maze of legal documents registered through a New Jersey-based investor suggesting that Ample Hills’ IP has been exchanged. During their break from the brand, Smith and Cuscuna launched a new ice cream concept called The Social just blocks from their original location in Prospect Heights. Ample Hills did not provide comment on the reopening.
FAQs:
What caused Ample Hills to shut down?
Ample Hills expanded too quickly, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and going up for auction in 2020. After being purchased by Schmitt Industries, the ice cream chain never recovered financially and shut down all locations.
Are there plans to reopen Ample Hills?
According to sources familiar with the company’s operations, the founders have bought their business back from Schmitt Industries and may be working toward reopening the chain.
What is the history of Ample Hills?
Ample Hills was founded in Brooklyn and became known for creative, over-the-top flavors with fun names. The brand expanded to 14 locations in New York, Miami, and Orlando before experiencing financial trouble in 2020.
Could Ample Hills be planning a comeback?
After abruptly closing all 12 of its locations, beloved Brooklyn-based scoop shop Ample Hills may make a comeback. According to two insiders familiar with the company’s operations, founders Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna have bought the business back from laser-maker Schmitt Industries, which purchased the dessert brand for $1 million in 2020 after it overexpanded, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and went up for auction. Despite the brand’s unsavory financial situation, the sources predict that Ample Hills may be reborn again. The publication also uncovered legal documents that suggest recent exchanges of the company’s IP. The co-founders launched a new ice cream shop called The Social during their break with Ample Hills. The dessert purveyor didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.