The Food That Built America Season 2 Episode 11 Ice Cream Empires

The Food That Built America is a fascinating series that delves into the history behind some of America's most beloved food brands and how they became the iconic institutions they are today. In season 2, episode 11, titled "Ice Cream Empires," viewers are taken on a journey through the world of frozen desserts and the business moguls who made them famous.

The episode starts by introducing viewers to the early days of ice cream in America, when it was a rare and expensive luxury reserved only for the wealthy. Frozen desserts became more accessible to the masses with the advent of the ice cream soda fountains, which sprang up in drugstores around the country in the late 1800s. These fountains allowed for the mass production of ice cream, and entrepreneurs began to see the potential for making big bucks off of this delicious treat.

Viewers are then introduced to some of the key players in the early ice cream industry, including Tom Carvel, the founder of Carvel ice cream, and Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, the founders of Baskin-Robbins. The episode explores the unique personalities and business strategies that made these men successful, including Carvel's determination and Robbins' willingness to take risks.

As the ice cream industry grew, so did competition between the various companies. The episode details how Carvel and Baskin-Robbins battled it out for supremacy in the market, with each company constantly trying to outdo the other in terms of new flavors and marketing strategies.

The episode also explores some of the unexpected challenges faced by ice cream companies, such as the oil crisis of the 1970s, which made it difficult to transport the frozen treat, and the introduction of low-fat ice cream options, which threatened to put traditional ice cream makers out of business.

Despite these challenges, ice cream remains one of America's favorite treats, and the episode ends by showcasing some of the newest players in the industry, including Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and Salt & Straw, who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with this delicious dessert.

Overall, "Ice Cream Empires" is a fascinating look at an industry that has brought joy to millions of Americans for over a century. With its mixture of history, business strategy, and culinary delight, this episode is sure to delight viewers of all ages.