This visit would be a dream come true for any child!  We got to go behind the scenes (or at least behind the counter) at Graeter’s Ice Cream in Beavercreek, OH.  This was so much fun!

Andy Brandell is the store manager at the Beavercreek, OH location and our host for the day!  He gave us some great history and background information on Graeter’s Ice Cream.  They were founded in Cincinnati, OH in 1870.  Here is a fun fact for you…Graeter’s Ice Cream and The Ohio State University were both founded in 1870 and have a great relationship!  Pretty cool for all the OSU fans out there.  Graeter’s even named an ice cream flavor after OSU!  How neat is that?  🙂

Greater’s is regional in location.  Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are where you will currently find a Graeter’s Ice Cream location.

We asked Andy what sets Graeter’s apart from other ice cream.  He said that they start with the best ingredients they can find.  They source both locally (dairy) and globally (fruit and gourmet chocolate).  Andy said another thing that makes them unique is that they use French Pot Freezers.  Each batch of ice cream is slowly frozen along the pot walls, which are continuously spinning.  This process keeps out as much air as possible.  The ice-cream is always frozen in 2 1/2 gallon batches.  He explained that many economy brands can have up to 50% air, but Graeter’s contains virtually no air.  This results in a very rich and creamy texture.  Trust me, you can taste this difference in every bite!

They also make their own chocolate chips.  They never purchase prepared chips like many other ice cream companies.  They pour gourmet liquid chocolate into the ice cream as it freezes.  This process creates a shell when it hardens and then it is broken up by hand.  This gives you melt-in-your mouth chocolate chips.  This explained so much to me.  I always wondered why their chocolate chips actually melted along with the ice cream and I found it odd that their chocolate chips were never the same size or form.  Makes perfect sense now!

Andy explained that their process produces ice cream that is so thick that no machine can easily pump it into pint containers.  So they pack it the old fashioned way, they pack it by hand.  Wow!

It is easy to see why their ice cream tastes so good and is so thick & creamy.  It is all in the ingredients and the process!

Graeter’s Ice Cream has seasonal flavors as well as the good old favorites.  The #1 bestselling favorite is their Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.  Graeter’s is the largest consumer of black raspberries (using even more than Smuckers!).  Their #2 best seller is their Buckeye Chocolate Chip.  It is chocolate ice cream infused with peanut butter.  It has dark chocolate chips and peanut butter cookie dough.  This is the flavor named for The Ohio State University!

They also have seasonal best selling flavors.  In the spring it is the Strawberry Chip.  Peach is the choice for summer.  In the fall it is a toss up between pumpkin and cinnamon.

Andy said his very personal favorite is good old chocolate, but lately he has been enjoying Smores.

The Beavercreek, OH location is very popular for their milkshakes and their waffle cones.  I have had the waffle cones and can agree with this.  They have a really great taste and are a little sturdier than the sugar cone, so you can have more dips with the waffle cones!  Some days you need more than one dip! 🙂

The Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio sells Graeter’s Ice Cream.  When baby Fiona (the very popular hippo) was born Graeter’s started working on a Fiona flavor.  They came up with Chunky Chunky Hippo.  It has a toffee ice cream base and contains salted roasted peanuts and milk chocolate caramel truffles.  Immediately after being introduced, Chunky Chunky Hippo sold out in just a few short hours!  So amazing!

The store looks like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.  How cute is the drinking fountain?

Of course Sydney and I couldn’t leave without having some ice cream!  Sydney had the Cookies and Cream and loved it.  This is her very, very favorite Graeter’s Ice Cream flavor.  I tried something new.  I had the Mint Cookies and Cream.  It was excellent!  Will definitely be getting this flavor again.

You can find wonderful ice cream cakes at Graeter’s.  These are perfect for birthdays and family gatherings when you want something special.  They have different candies and goodies to choose from also.  These are great for gift giving to that special someone who loves Graeter’s!

They also carry gift items and apparel for the Graeter’s lover in your life!

You can also enjoy Graeter’s Ice Cream at home.  24/7 access is a good thing when an ice cream craving strikes!

They also have gift cards available for that “hard to buy for” person!  What an awesome idea.  Who doesn’t love ice cream?

Needing a summer job?  Teachers, are you looking for a field trip idea? Look no further than Graeter’s Ice Cream Shop in Beavercreek.

Sydney and I would like to thank Andy Brandell for the wonderful tour and all the information!  We had a great time and learned so much.  Thanks Andy!

If you are ever near a Graeter’s Ice Cream location, you will definitely want to stop and try this delicious ice cream.  It truly is awesome!  The Beavercreek location is 2330 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45431.

Have a great day!