Schoolhouse Ice
Cream & Yogurt/VisitingNewEngland small business partnership - Local Small Business Stories
Schoolhouse Ice Cream and Yogurt, Burlington, Mass: A Happy Place
Serving Some of the Best Ice Cream in Massachusetts
S'Mores ice cream cone from Schoolhouse Ice Cream in Burlington. Photo credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page.
Article and photos, unless otherwise noted, by Eric Hurwitz. Article
created on 2/18/2019.
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For you ice cream lovers out there, here's a scoop: Schoolhouse Ice
Cream & Yogurt in Burlington, Mass., ranks among the best ice cream
places in Massachusetts.
Rob and Betty Stanley have owned the
business for more than 15 years and created a one-of-a-kind destination that is
more than just about the ice cream. While that delicious, thick and
flavorful ice cream
remains the main draw with its rich 16 percent butterfat content and super
premium ingredients,
Schoolhouse Ice Cream draws locals in, ultimately, for the overall fun,
family-friendly experience.
Small in size but with a big heart always in place, Schoolhouse Ice
Cream looks like one of those old-fashioned ice cream parlors that you
thought was gone forever. The tile floor, red booths, colorful
handwritten chalkboard menu at the order-at-the-counter area, ceiling
fans and a huge retro gumball machine evoke a much-needed, heartwarming
nostalgic atmosphere that offers a welcoming sense of place and
community. There's even a wonderful outdoor
patio that gets populated very quickly during the
summer (photo below during off hours).
Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream
Facebook fan page.
Kids love to write on the blank chalkboard before or after their ice
creams -- right next to the wide screen television that often plays
kids movies and shows, as well as local sports.
"The chalkboard and TV have been key," said Rob, wearing a Boston Red
Sox cap. "Once in here, there can be waits so the TV and writing on the
chalkboard buy some time in a good way."
The colorful inside of Schoolhouse Ice Cream.
Locals have responded: Up to 25-minute waits with lines
forming out the door during peak season are not uncommon. Even on a New
England winter
day, the regular crowds shuffle in for a cool treat on a frigid day.
That's the New England way, though. People love their ice cream no
matter what time of year and
Schoolhouse Ice Cream delivers big-time as a year-round operation.
"The community has embraced us," said Rob. "We make ice cream the right
way, right here. Being an owner, you have a one-on-one relationship
with
the customers. They like seeing the owners. Over time, you see these
little kids coming here with their parents and before you know it, they
are all grown up with deeper voices and going to college. I'm only 44
and feel old with these kids growing up
so fast, but feel great at the same time owning this business!"
Some people come here two to three times a week. Those in the community
also like Schoolhouse as a go-to place to celebrate birthday, office
and
sports team parties through its catering services.
"We go there every Friday night," said Barbara
Thompson, a
Burlington resident. "It’s a family ritual we got into with our girls.
It gives everyone something to look forward to. It’s such a homey
feeling when you step inside. There’s always a movie playing that the
kids immediately start watching. The interesting facts on the side wall
are very fun, too. The ice cream is great and so is the hot fudge! We
also order ice cream cakes for birthdays, too. You can choose the
flavors you want and the cookie crunch and hot fudge included is
delicious! We really love Schoolhouse and go there all year long. I
also love to get gift cards for gifts because, who doesn’t like ice
cream!?"
The Humble Beginnings
Schoolhouse Ice Cream owner Rob Stanley with staff. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Facebook fan page.
Rob, a Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, Mass.)
graduate, worked in
the construction industry. Betty, a U.S. Marine Corps vet, was employed
in the banking industry. Both wanted new careers.
"Too many bad days," said Rob, of his previous career. "I reached a
point where I never wanted to work for someone else again."
Rob and Betty, who both grew up in neighboring Bedford, looked around
for new career beginnings. Rob's mom, Sue, had found great success
opening Schoolhouse Ice Cream with Rob's stepfather, Jack, many years ago in Harwich, Mass. (the
Cape Cod business still thrives, to this very day). Rob and Betty soon
followed Sue and Jack's business
template.
"We saw this place," said Rob, of the Burlington location that housed
two former ice cream businesses. "It was run down, but we got a good
vibe. It was a big chance, though. If it didn't work out, however, we
knew we'd be in huge debt. By the end of the first summer, though, we
knew we'd be OK. As mentioned, the town really embraced us."
Rob didn't ask for much help from his mom on the ice cream shop because that's when he was starting his own career 100 miles away. He did talk with three local ice cream owners who offered advice, however.
"I was working construction at that time and she was on Cape Cod, so
there wasn't time," said Rob. "Three local (ice cream) owners helped
out. After year five, we were totally confident in our abilities.
Success happened fairly quickly with crowds, but there was a big
learning curve in creating great ice cream."
Some of the Best Ice Cream in Massachusetts
Peanut Butter Madness ice cream cone. Photo credit: Schoolhouse
Ice Cream Facebook fan page.
Very few places actually make their own ice cream in-house.
When they
do, it's not even a guarantee for deliciousness. While the 16 percent
butterfat content is an important element to creating super premium quality
ice cream, the
sourcing and proper freezing process also stand as vitally important
steps. The most important element, however, is making the ice cream
with
love. Schoolhouse Ice Cream does just that, and then some.
"I'd say four out of 10 places make their own ice cream," said Rob. "It
is sad when places don't make their own ice cream. We are New England
and
this is a region that prides itself on making things homemade."
Rob also avoids pumping air into the ice cream, an unfortunate popular
industry standard that impedes the true taste. Once the ice cream comes
out of the machine at Schoolhouse, it is cured for 24 hours in a deep freeze. The ice
cream comes out
rock hard and placed in a flip top freezer for about 12 hours to become scoopable Then, the ice cream is
brought out to containers at the order counter for everyone to enjoy.
During the busiest times, Rob makes ice cream fresh every day and
during off season, at least two or three times a week.
"Every ingredient is hand-picked," said Rob. "The nuts come from a nut
guy, the cocoa from a cocoa guy. We don't take short cuts."
One of the standout flavors: Over the Rainbow with lemon flavor, white
chocolate chips and raspberry swirl. Dense in flavor but not too
overwhelming, Over the Rainbow tastes unlike any other ice cream flavor
in the best sense. The parts add up to the sum and vice versa -- that
is, you can taste each individual flavor, but the combination
synergistically also adding up to something truly delicious.
Over the Rainbow ice cream flavor from Schoolhouse Ice Cream.
Schoolhouse ice cream offers up to 48 flavors, including old
standbys
like chocolate, vanilla strawberry and coffee, as well as innovative
choices like Salted Caramel Pretzel, Irish Whiskey Coffee,
and Kahlua Krunch. The S'mores ice cream (pictured at the
top of this page) is a real winner, too, with marshmallow flavored ice
cream, graham cracker pieces and large chocolate chips. Another gem;
the Peanut Butter Madness (pictured above in this section of the story)
with a fudge swirl, cookie crunch and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
The sundaes are pretty, special too. Schoolhouse makes them the
old-fashioned way without any of the newfangled "gourmet" obstructions
that take
away the tradition of this revered form of ice cream.
Hot fudge sundae from Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page.
If super hungry for that super premium ice cream, however, Schoolhouse
offers the Sundae Bucket Challenge. This gargantuan serving includes 10
scoops, 10 toppings, four bananas, an entire can of whipped cream and
just one spoon. Only in 10 win the challenge among family and friends
giving it a try.
The Sundae Bucket Challenge at Schoolhouse Ice Cream.
Schoolhouse has also prioritized making ice cream cakes as part of
their growing catering business. Through trial and error, Rob and Betty
have taken the cakes to an art form that result in something superior
to the supermarket brands and chain versions.
Oreo ice cream cake from Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Facebook fan page.
"We wanted to expand our ice cream cake menu," said Rob. "Customers
love them. Someone came
from Braintree (30 miles away) with a cooler to bring back home!"
The waffle cones also look good enough to eat on their own...
Waffle cones from Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Facebook fan page.
Schoolhouse also serves hard frozen yogurt and soft serve ice cream,
the latter
which Rob has tinkered with to create a thicker, more flavorful taste.
Soft serve ice cream from Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page.
"
You won't find any of that thin-tasting soft serve here," said Rob.
Surprise, Schoolhouse Serves Excellent Food, Too!
Big, delicious sandwich from Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Facebook fan page.
Ever notice how many ice cream restaurants leave the customer
cold when it comes to the food part? It's almost like the food is an
afterthought to the ice cream.
Not so at Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Rob and Betty walk the fine line of
avoiding underwhelming offerings, while knowing that "overstuffed"
servings can be messy and filled with weird combinations of
ingredients.
"It's simple food," said Rob. "Like grilled cheese, tuna melts. We make
it the way you want it and the way we would want our sandwiches when
eating out. People like lunches and to relax over something tasty and
simple.
Employee Ally Rosburg's overheard that conversation and added, "No one
wants cold toast!"
"Or brown lettuce!" added Rob, with a smile. "And this isn't the place
for stuff
like, I don't know, flax oil bread. We have the best cold cuts and
bread here."
The hot turkey sandwich is one of Schoolhouse's best lunches. Made with
plenty of turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, Schoolhouse does
a better version than some restaurants that think they're really good.
Hot turkey sandwich from Schoolhouse Ice Cream.
Classic sandwiches like turkey, ham, roast beef and tuna or
chicken salads serve as tasty precursors to the ice cream, or can
suffice as standalones. Schoolhouse also offers a veggie melt, turkey
club, BLT, and various grilled cheese sandwiches (yum, highly
recommended!). The soups, chowders,
stews, and chili are also are homemade and quite popular on their own,
or
as as part of a soup/sandwich combo meal. An added bonus: you can add
chips, soda and a cup of ice cream to any sandwich for $2.00.
Tuna melt, fish chowder and ice cream from Schoolhouse Ice Cream.
Photo credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page.
"They have good food," said Mindy Frankel Meier, a Burlington
resident. "Best club sandwich I’ve ever had and I can get it in a 1/2
portion so there’s no waste. The grilled cheese is my son’s favorite.
They have combos that come with the ice cream. The Burlington Heath Bar
Crunch is super yummy. But the best thing about the place is the owner
guy. He’s always so nice, has a big smile on his face and is very
chill. It’s very much a family place, but you see every kind of person
-- young kids, teenagers and senior citizens all enjoying a good meal or
ice cream all year round. They have a chalk board for the kids to use
and the owner turns on Nick Jr. when my kids (boys, two and four-years
old)
come in which keeps them occupied. We try to get there at least twice a
month, if possible. I wish I could go every week."
Fun Atmosphere
Red Sox theme: Green Monster Ice Cream cone, baseball
schedule in the background. Photo credit:
Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page.
Rob is a huge sports fan and posts the Red Sox schedule on
one of the chalkboards.
Next to the Sox schedule is a "Tidbits of Information" section with
little-known facts that serve as great conversation starters among
customers. Some examples: "A shrimp's heart is in his head." "Only a
quarter of the Sahara Desert is sandy." "Armadillo shells are
bulletproof." "One cloud can weigh more than 1 million pounds."
Meaningful signs saturate the walls like "Where friends meet, hearts
warm," "To teach is to love," Simplify your life" and "Cherish
yesterday*Dream tomorrow*Live Today." The positive messages just add to
the cheery surroundings.
Welcoming sign at Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo
credit: Schoolhouse Ice Cream Facebook fan page.
"We try to make the whole experience a happy one," said Rob. "Why be any
other way?"
Conclusion
Schoolhouse Ice Cream has flourished as a "best of" local
business for many years, but those outside the area should seek it out,
too, when looking for true homemade ice cream. That ice cream
approaches the
quality of local legendary places like Kimball Farm in Westford, Mass.,
Hayward's Ice Cream in Nashua, N.H. and Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar in
Sharon, Mass. -- the latter once named by National Geographic as one of
the best ice cream places in the world. Additionally, Schoolhouse's
year-round status as an indoor ice cream establishment (with a good
heating system) makes for a convenient choice for those who don't want
to wait for seasonal ice cream places to open.
Mocha chip from Schoolhouse Ice Cream. Photo credit:
Schoolhouse Ice Cream Instagram page.
Rob likes the business route he and Betty have taken by putting their
own small business stamp on it.
"You don't get anything special at a chain," said Rob. "There's no love
in it. This place does not scream corporate. Just look at it. Those
fans on the ceiling remind us of the fans we liked when on vacation. There's the chalkboard for kids to write on and there's the TV playing movies or sports. We get to
know the customers and they get to know us while enjoying some really
good ice cream."
Cheery surroundings at Schoolhouse Ice Cream.
Something else is very important to Rob and Betty, too: family life.
"We have been together for 18 years and married for 8, and have a five and four-year old,"
said Rob. "I want to see my kids, too. You know, I saw these kids
growing up so quickly (at Schoolhouse) and don't want that to happening
with
our kids where the time goes by so fast. We want that balance."
That Rob and Betty had virtually no ice cream or restaurant background,
but worked so hard to make something special is also part of the appeal
at Schoolhouse. It's like the locals love Rob and Betty as much as the
ice cream. They are friendly neighbors who also happen to offer
delicious
offerings, as well as making it a point to give back to the charity of
one's
choice in the community.
Ultimately, the small business journey has resulted in a huge
accomplishment -- that
is, virtually starting with nothing and ultimately schooling most other
ice cream places on how to run a business. They do so with a business
model steeped in love and passion for the business, while making
ice cream that clearly ranks among the best this writer experienced in
Massachusetts.
Schoolhouse Ice Cream is definitely cream of the crop!
Schoolhouse Ice Cream is located at
216 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA, 01803. Web site: http://schoolhouseicecream.com.
Facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/Schoolhouse-Ice-Cream-Yogurt.
Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/schoolhouse_icecream.
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Related article:
Enjoying
the old-fashioned neighborhood vibe of Oliva's Market in Milford, Mass.
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