Ben jerry s was originally going to be a bagel company but ben and jerry found the bagel making equipment to be too pricey

Ben & Jerry’s Nearly Became a Bagel Business

Have you ever wondered how your favorite ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s, came to be? Surprisingly, the company almost pursued a completely different path, starting as a bagel business. Co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield had initially planned to venture into the bagel-making industry. However, they quickly realized that the equipment required for bagel production was too expensive. Thus, their dream of a bagel empire had to be abandoned, and the world ended up being blessed with the beloved ice cream company we know today.

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were childhood friends from Merrick, New York. They shared a passion for food and dreamed of owning a successful business together. In 1978, they decided to attend a $5 correspondence course on ice cream making offered by Penn State. Both of them were interested in opening a food business that would make them proud and fulfill their dreams.

However, when Ben and Jerry started researching the equipment required for bagel production, they encountered an unexpected obstacle. The machinery and ovens needed to make bagels were simply too costly for their limited budget. Despite their disappointment, they refused to let this setback prevent them from pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Fortuitously, during their search for an alternative business idea, a used ice cream machine caught their attention. They realized that ice cream making could be a viable and more affordable option for their new business venture. This serendipitous discovery led to a new chapter for Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who eventually established Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Holdings, Inc. in 1978.

From that point forward, Ben & Jerry dedicated themselves to creating delicious and inventive ice cream flavors. They sourced fresh Vermont milk, cream, and a wide range of inclusions, such as real fruits, nuts, and candies. Their mission was to craft the most mouthwatering ice creams with the utmost attention to quality and ethical sourcing.

Since its humble beginnings, Ben & Jerry’s has grown to be one of the most popular and iconic ice cream brands worldwide. With flavors like Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Cherry Garcia, and Phish Food, the company has continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Not only are their flavors irresistible, but the brand has also become renowned for its commitment to social and environmental causes.

In conclusion, while Ben & Jerry’s may have initially intended to become a bagel company, their dream was deterred by the high cost of bagel-making equipment. However, this setback led them to discover the world of ice cream making, which ultimately paved the way for their extraordinary success. Today, Ben & Jerry’s continues to delight taste buds around the globe with its delectable and innovative flavors, reminding us that sometimes the road to success is full of unexpected turns.