Key Facts
- Winner
- Cup and Cone, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Runner-up
- The STIL, Boise
- Contest organizer
- The 64 website
- Format
- 64 shops, five rounds of online voting
- Cup and Cone established
- 1973
- Location
- 2126 4th Street, White Bear Lake
Background
Americans consume about 18 pounds (4 gallons) of ice cream per person annually, roughly 128 scoops, according to industry data. U.S. makers produce more than 1.23 billion gallons in a single year.
The frozen dessert business contributes $11.6 billion to the national economy and supports nearly 27,000 direct jobs. A survey found 97% of American adults say they like or love ice cream.
Current Situation
The website The 64 organized an NCAA Tournament-style bracket to find America's best ice cream shop, seeding 64 shops from across the country and letting fans vote through five rounds. Shops from New York, Seattle, New Orleans, Nashville, and Miami were among the entrants.
Minnesota had three shops in the final eight, including two in the final four. Saint Paul's Grand Ole Creamery reached the Elite Eight, and Minneapolis' Pumphouse Creamery advanced to the semifinals.
Cup and Cone in White Bear Lake won the title of 'America's Best Ice Cream,' defeating Boise's The STIL in the final. The STIL had eliminated Pumphouse Creamery in the semifinals. Cup and Cone is a seasonal stand at 2126 4th Street, operating since 1973, offering soft-serve, sandwiches, and hot dogs.
| Shop | Location | Round Reached |
|---|---|---|
| Cup and Cone | White Bear Lake | Champion |
| Pumphouse Creamery | Minneapolis | Semifinals |
| Grand Ole Creamery | Saint Paul | Elite Eight |
Impacts
The recognition highlights the popularity of local ice cream shops in Minnesota, where visiting favorite stands is a summer tradition from spring to fall. Cup and Cone's win may boost its visibility and customer traffic.
The contest's outcome also underscores the competitive nature of the ice cream industry, with shops from various regions vying for national attention. The economic significance of the sector, with $11.6 billion in economic impact and nearly 27,000 jobs, suggests such recognition could have local economic benefits.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Cup and Cone leverages its new title, it could see increased patronage from tourists and locals alike, potentially extending its seasonal operating period or expanding its offerings. However, the stand's long-standing community focus may keep its operations unchanged.
The success of Minnesota shops in the bracket may inspire other local ice cream businesses to seek similar recognition, possibly leading to more contests or marketing efforts. Yet, the outcome of future competitions remains uncertain, as fan voting can vary.
Should the trend of national ice cream contests continue, other states may see heightened competition, but the impact on individual shops will depend on their ability to engage their local fan bases.
Source: kdhlradio.com
