Bob Iger made Star Wars ice cream happen.
Disney CEO Bob Iger is a big fan of ice cream. He doesn’t like the regular brand ice creams, too. In fact, he loves one brand in particular that creates unique, homemade flavors called Ample Hills Creamery.
“We’ve received a few online orders from him (Iger) in the past,” said Brian Smith, owner and operator of the family-owned and Zagat-rated creamery located in New York City. “We were quite happy and surprised.” He and his wife, who serves as his business partner, had even more reason to feel that way not too long afterwards, too.
That was because he received a phone call from Iger who apparently loved the ice cream so much that he offered to be a business mentor to Smith, as well as loyal customer. “He really has been just a great supporter of us since the very beginning,” Smith said. With Iger’s support, Smith decided to pitch him a business idea for the Creamery that he knew would vie for Iger’s attention once again.
Smith continued, “The new Star Wars films were already announced and we knew we had to be a part of the excitement. I had this idea about creating two ice cream flavors, a Dark Side and a Light Side.” Smith’s research showed that the simple idea of doing two food products based of two sides of the Force hadn’t been done before. That’s when he decided to reach out to his Jedi Master/mentor.
Iger, who was also behind the Lucasfilm acquisition for Disney, obviously really liked the idea and the timing of it. “He quickly told J.J. Abrams about the idea and he loved it, too,” said Smith. The rest was history.
The quick approvals of both Disney’s CEO and Star Wars: The Force Awakens director were enough for Smith and his wife to begin work with Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm to develop the flavors. The results of their work were two flavors that are in stark contrast to each other, just like the Force. “This is a dream collaboration…to be able to work with Lucasfilm and Disney,” said Smith’s wife Jackie Cuscuna. “That might just be the coolest thing we’ve ever done.”
The Dark Side ice cream has an ultra-dark chocolate flavor with espresso fudge brownies, cocoa crispies, and white chocolate pearls said to “represent the light still hiding in the dark, waiting to burst through.”).
The Light Side is not lighter in calorie count, but in flavor with a bright marshmallow flavor combined with homemade crispie clusters and lots of handmade coca crispies that are said to “represent the dark side still lurking within the light.”).
I had the chance to sample both flavors at The Force Awakens press junket just a few days ago and I can highly give my praise and Wookie roar for both. They both are fluffy in consistency like a mousse, but creamery like butter once it hits your tongue. The flavors were thought out, too, being able to taste every ingredient included in them. Though cliche to say, you can really taste the quality of the homemade-ness of the ice cream in every bite.
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Ice cream, you now want? The Dark Side and Light Side flavors are only available only on Ample Hills Creamery’s website. It’s only available in a four-pack for $36.
You’ll have to wait a few weeks for ice cream to be properly shipped to you (and they only ship within the United States currently). They’re so backed up with orders that arrival dates are being quotes as early as December 28!
May the Force and patience be with you as you wait until then.
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