Owner Looking to Relocate Bethesda Ben & Jerry’s
Popular ice cream shop closed in December.
Ben & Jerry’s could reopen in a new Bethesda location by spring, said franchise owner Marc Sosin.
The ice cream shop on Fairmont Avenue closed in December, as it neared the end of its current lease. Sosin, who has operated the store since 1996, cited a decrease in the amount of foot traffic in the area and the prospect of 18 to 24 months of construction nearby -- with residential project the Monty nearing its groundbreaking date-- as reasons he and his wife, Bonnie, closed the shop.
“The future didn’t look too bright,” he said. “It was not economically viable to stay there… unless we’d gotten a serious rent deduction.”
Sosin also owns the franchise in Rockville but said he is searching for a new site in Bethesda. His choice of location will be based on the customer profile and foot traffic of an area as well as the size and shape of the retail space.
Stephanie Coppula, the director of marketing and communications for Bethesda Urban Partnership, said there is usually a three to four percent vacancy rate for retail space in downtown Bethesda.
“Certainly Ben & Jerry’s has been a staple,” Coppula said. “I’m sure folks would love to see (Sosin) stay.”
Pam Diener, of Bethesda, said she used to bring her children to the store after school on Fridays. The store was often busy, and Diener said she “would be shocked if it was a business issue.”
“Everybody around here goes here,” she said.
Diener and her family said they would like to see another ice cream shop open in the old Ben & Jerry’s location.
“They need an ice cream store, something kids-related, to give the kids a place to be,” she said.
Until Sosin reopens in another Bethesda location, customers can order cakes through the Rockville location, and the delivery fee will be waived, he said.
“We’re trying to hold onto people as much as we can,” Sosin said.
russresearcher
11:35 am on Thursday, January 20, 2011
Glad to hear they are thinking of another Bethesda location. When I wrote to Mr. Sosin through the B&J website that I was so disappointed about the closure, he directed me to their Rockville location. However, that's just too far to go for ice cream. What about the old Giffords site? Didn't they close?
PartyManiaMD
12:06 pm on Friday, February 4, 2011
It's a shame they closed. It seems like the lack of foot traffic is affecting us all.
We recently opened and the lack of people going down Cordell is kind of shocking.
I hope Mr. Sosin stays in the area instead of going to Bethesda Rowe. We need more family oriented places in the local Bethesda.
Friday/Saturday are only two days of the week, Monday and Tuesday is like a ghost town in downtown Bethesda..
russresearcher
10:49 am on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
@partymania- have you tried one of those coupon sites? Groupon, Plum Social, etc.? Maybe as development happens in your area, things will improve. Good luck.
russresearcher
10:50 am on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Anyone know what who has leased the old Ben & Jerry's location? Saw a "LEASED" sign in the window the other day.
Alonso Roche
4:18 pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Just wanted to introduce ourselves. Our company, Bold Bite has taken over the space previously occupied by Ben and Jerry's! We hope to provide great hot dogs and artisanal sausage sandwiches to the area. We are really excited about the concept and hope to be open in the coming months! Our place will definitely be family oriented and lots of fun!
PartyManiaMD
10:54 am on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
We've used one of the mass mailer companies with some success and Groupons never responded back.
We have quite a few things in the process of being rolled out, some of which should be noticable soon.
Our favorite so far is giving away gift cards to the local schools. Free parties for a couple of families a month is a decent start but we want to do so much more.
There is a lot of potential for the Cordell/Fairmont Ave area and hopefully we'll be able to lead by example and bring more life to the area!
Erin Donaghue
4:30 pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thanks for the heads up, Alonso, and welcome to the neighborhood. We'll be on the lookout for your restaurant to open.
Anh LyJordan
11:24 am on Thursday, March 3, 2011
@PartyManiaMD - I think that there is definitely an untapped market there. I, for one, think it is great to have a local Bethesda business to go to for party supplies rather than schlepping up Rockville Pike. That said, I didn't even know that you guys were open until I had seen it on my neighborhood listserv. You guys are right around the corner from Imagination Stage. That's a good demographic for you to hit. I am sure as more people find out that you are open and operating, they will choose the convenience of having an in-town party store! Good luck!
PartyManiaMD
11:41 am on Thursday, March 3, 2011
@Alonso, I know things are going to be hectic getting your business open, let us know if we can do anything for your grand opening or if you'd like to do some cross promoting!
We're right around the corner on Cordell/Norfolk.
@Anh, Yea we're definitely trying to reach out to all the local businesses, there are so many that it's just a matter of time.
Word of mouth is helping us great, and the parking helps(2 on each side alley).
I'm definitely looking forward to checking out Bold Bite, I always love checking out new eateries and local businesses.
Ciao
Alonso Roche
12:11 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2011
Absolutely! It's gonna be around 3 months before we open, but we will definitely let you guys know. Small businesses have to stick together!