Recently, I noticed a sign at the Newport Creamery restaurant and ice cream shop in Greenville, R.I., that obviously caught our attention: Awful Awful Shoppe.

I decided to give Newport Creamery Headquarters a call to get the “scoop” on this most unusual name. Brian in marketing told me that Awful

Awful stands for “Awful big, awful good,” and is a “mix” scooped like an ice cream  with a “proprietary blend” that also includes milk and syrup.  I know, sounds a bit secretive but this time-tested drink has become a signature item at Newport Creamery!

Awful Awful was actually created in the 1950s by the now defunct Bond Company with the formula eventually being sold to Newport Creamery. Flavors include strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, mocha, chocolate mint and coffee. Awful Awful mixes are available, too, like Oreo, strawberry banana chip, cappuccino crunch & Choc O’ Nutter.

We did not have a chance to try one, being completely filled from a Father’s Day meal at the Waterfall Cafe in Harrisville, R.I. I look forward to trying an Awful Awful sometime soon, though, sounds like a nice, affordable treat after a day at the beach or visiting Newport or Providence.

Have you ever tried an Awful Awful drink? If so, how was it and what flavors would you recommend? You can reply in the comments box below.

You can also log onto Newport Creamery for a list of its locations. I remember it as a terrific local chain, surpassing Brigham’s and Friendly’s in food and ice cream quality. Sounds like the Awful Awful makes it even that much better!

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