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Today In History: May 5th, 1978

Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen, partners of a  homemade ice cream stand, Ben & Jerry's, in Bennington, Vt. (Photo Credit: Ted Dully/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen, partners of a homemade ice cream stand, Ben & Jerry's, in Bennington, Vt. (Photo Credit: Ted Dully/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Ben & Jerry’s Scoops Up Success With Their First Ice Cream Shop

Step back in time to May 5, 1978, a day that would forever change the world of frozen desserts. In a quaint corner of Burlington, Vermont, childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield embarked on a deliciously daring venture: opening the doors to their very first ice cream shop. Little did they know, they were about to sprinkle a little sweetness into the world and create an iconic brand beloved by ice cream enthusiasts everywhere.

Armed with a $12,000 investment and an insatiable passion for ice cream, Ben and Jerry transformed a humble renovated gas station into the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream. What set their scoops apart? It wasn’t just the creamy texture or the mouthwatering flavors (though those certainly helped) but their commitment to using only the finest, most natural ingredients. From Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Chunky Monkey, each scoop was a delight that left taste buds tingling and hearts melting.

containers of ben and jerry's for sale in grocery store
Photo Credit: Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As word of their delectable creations spread, Ben & Jerry’s quickly became a beloved fixture in Burlington and beyond. But it wasn’t just about the ice cream—it was about the values behind the brand. Ben and Jerry’s commitment to social activism and environmental sustainability became as iconic as their Cherry Garcia flavor. From supporting fair trade practices to championing progressive causes, Ben & Jerry’s proved that ice cream could be a force for good in the world.

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So, as we celebrate May 5, 1978, let’s raise a cone to Ben & Jerry’s and the sweet success that began with a scoop and a dream. From that modest gas station in Vermont to freezer aisles around the globe, Ben & Jerry’s has remained a beacon of deliciousness, innovation, and social responsibility. Here’s to many more years of indulging in euphoric flavors and making the world a little bit sweeter, one spoonful at a time.

TVN News Poster

TVN News Poster is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News