Meredith Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop celebrates 30 years

MEREDITH — Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of popular ice cream parlor chain Ben & Jerry’s, came to town on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise located in The Marketplace at Mill Falls.

Hundreds milled about the busy commercial property Sunday, and around 100 stood in line in the sweltering heat, waiting for their chance to meet Cohen and Greenfield, to have their photographs made with the famous pair and to get memorabilia memorialized for eternity with their autographs. 

The event was combined with an effort to raise funds for three regional charitable organizations — New Hampshire Humane Society, Interlakes Community Caregivers and the Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire — a nod to the business model which Ben & Jerry’s executives credit with their success.

Ed Peistrup, franchise business consultant for Ben & Jerry’s, said it's the business’ responsibility to give back to the community.

“In this part of the country, a lot of people feel connected to Ben & Jerry’s,” he said. “It’s kind of a part of New England culture.”

Since its inception, Peistrup said, Ben & Jerry’s founders and franchise operators have endeavored to ingratiate themselves into their local communities.

“When you do that, the community gives back to you,” he said. 

And the Meredith franchise, owned and operated by Jayne Cohen, has done so for decades. 

“This location has been here for 30 years, an achievement in this day and age,” Peistrup said.

"We are so grateful to be celebrating three decades at Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith," Jayne Cohen wrote in a press release. "This milestone wouldn't be possible without our wonderful customers and the incredible community that has supported us year after year. We’re thrilled to share this celebration with everyone and continue giving back to the local organizations that make a real difference in our community.”

Part of their longevity is owed to their talented staff, Jayne Cohen said. Store Manager Liz Breton has worked for Jayne Cohen for years.

“She’s been here with me right from the start,” Jayne Cohen said. 

And over the years, a lot’s changed. In 2017, Jayne Cohen said they added an indoor seating section, and Ben Cohen and Greenfield visited the location to mark that addition. They started the business with window service; now, they accept credit cards. 

Ben Cohen and Greenfield went on to sell Ben & Jerry’s, but Jayne Cohen said they’re still involved and support numerous charitable events. 

“It was such a big hit in 2017,” Jayne Cohen said of the founders’ appearance. “We sold out all of our souvenirs.”

“The quality of ice cream and staying true to their beliefs has not changed,” she said. “It’s enabled us to be supportive of our community.

“It’s our locals who support us.”

And Jayne Cohen takes giving seriously. 

Proceeds from Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Delights went to support the New Hampshire Humane Society. A portion of the franchise’s proceeds are donated to the humane society each year. 

Customers who purchased an extra scoop of ice cream for $1, for example, helped support Interlakes Community Caregivers on Sunday afternoon.