Boston, Massachusetts – While Massachusetts already boasts a plethora of esteemed ice cream establishments, anticipation mounts as Van Leeuwen, a renowned New York-based chain with over 50 stores, announces its arrival in the Boston area later this year, promising an elevated ice cream experience.
In a move set to unfold throughout 2024, Van Leeuwen will unveil three distinct locations. The inaugural debut is scheduled for early April on Boylston Street at The Street Chestnut Hill, followed by the unveiling of a second locale at 131 Seaport Blvd. in the summer. Lastly, Harvard Square will welcome the third outpost in the fall.
Renowned for its “French-style” approach, Van Leeuwen sets itself apart by incorporating an abundance of egg yolks into its recipes, resulting in a luxuriously rich and creamy texture. Co-founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen emphasizes the simplicity of the ingredients, comprising solely cream and eggs, to achieve this indulgent consistency.
While the shop garners attention for innovative flavors like macaroni and cheese, Van Leeuwen prioritizes sourcing high-quality ingredients such as Ecuadorian chocolate and top-rated vanilla endorsed by Wirecutter. Additionally, the menu caters to diverse dietary preferences with an array of non-dairy options crafted from coconut cream for vegan patrons.
Priced at approximately $7 per scoop, Van Leeuwen’s offerings extend beyond single servings to include sundaes, milkshakes, and root beer floats, providing patrons with a variety of indulgent treats to enjoy.
Acknowledging the premium price point compared to more traditional ice cream chains, Van Leeuwen asserts that customers are willing to invest in superior quality.
When questioned about the choice to expand into Boston and Cambridge, Van Leeuwen cites the appeal of pedestrian-friendly environments. “There aren’t many places in the U.S. that have really good foot traffic where people are actually walking around,” he explained to WBZ-TV. “One of them is Boston.”
Reflecting on his journey from operating a Good Humor truck during his high school days in Greenwich, Connecticut, to establishing Van Leeuwen, Ben Van Leeuwen underscores his passion for food and quality ingredients. “I love food, I love ingredients,” he expressed. “I want to do something that can be done at almost the highest level, but still accessible to all.”
As Van Leeuwen Ice Cream makes its mark on the Boston landscape, residents can anticipate an unparalleled blend of craftsmanship, flavor innovation, and accessibility in each delectable scoop.
