Popular Ice Cream Chain Ample Hills Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
It’s not related to measures around the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shops are staying open for takeout
ny.eater.com
The decision to file for bankruptcy was made before the city shut down all restaurants and bars in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the spokesperson tells Eater, and the bankruptcy — officially filed on Sunday, March 15 — is unrelated to the pandemic. The company, which has 14 locations across New York City, cited extreme delays in the opening of its 15,000-square-foot Red Hook factory, museum, and store as particularly detrimental to the business, according to the bankruptcy court filing.
“Because the factory delays impacted Ample Hills’s expansion strategy, the factory has not been as fully utilized as Ample Hills originally planned, which has led to continuing operating losses,” the filing states.
I do love their ice cream. I just enjoyed some from the Boardwalk location a couple nights ago and I have a pint and a half here in my freezer at home. This announcement does make me wonder if I need to order more to be delivered to my home as a just in case. Some people may be hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer these days and I might have to start hoarding ice cream!
I loved their ice cream when we were there last--it was a great little "date" for DH and I, a quick escape over to the boardwalk to do something just the two of us and dang if that ice cream isn't the bomb!! Sad the company found themselves in this financial bind and wish them luck on their recovery. Hopefully a new, delicious ice bream shop will set-up there, e.g. Salt & Straw, Molly Moon's (Seattle)...will take any boutique, unique ice creamery!!!