Still Scooping After All These Years

By: Kerry Pipes
Published: November 9th, 2026

Bill and Janet Jarae, 2015

Bill and Janet Jarae knew good ice cream when they tasted it. But it was the customers lining up to buy it in the snow that really got their attention.

The couple first discovered Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in 2003 while visiting relatives near Pittsburgh, PA. Family members suggested they try a new Bruster’s location in nearby Robinson Township, Pennsylvania. When they arrived, customers were lined up from the walk-up windows toward the road.

The Jaraes joined the crowd, tried the ice cream, and immediately understood the attraction.

“We agreed Bruster’s Real Ice Cream was the best we had ever tasted,” Bill recalls.

When they returned in December, customers were still lining up, even in the snow. That kind of loyalty made an impression on the couple.

Bill, a metallurgical engineer who worked in the steel industry, and Janet, an elementary school teacher, had both worked in restaurants during college. They were interested in owning a business, and a lull in the steel industry gave them an opportunity to explore franchising.

They considered several familiar names, including Chick-fil-A, Cold Stone Creamery, Marble Slab Creamery, and McDonald’s. Bruster’s stood out for its freshly made ice cream, product quality, and franchise support.

A meeting with the brand’s founder, Bruce Reed, in Atlanta helped solidify their decision. They liked the brand’s commitment to making ice cream fresh in each store and the training and support available to franchise owners.

On June 25, 2005, the Jaraes opened their Bruster’s in Carolina Forest, just northwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Bruster’s helped them prepare for opening day. The couple attended Bruster’s University training program, while the corporate team guided them through construction, equipment, permitting, and other requirements. Bruster’s representatives were also on-site when the store opened.

That relationship didn't end with the grand opening. Over the years, Bruster’s has continued to help franchisees adapt to changing customer expectations and technology, including online ordering, digital menu boards, and social media marketing.

The Jaraes have built an impressive track record of their own. Their Carolina Forest store has recorded sales growth every year for 21 years and ranked 36th in sales volume across the Bruster’s system at the end of 2025. The location continues to outperform the chain’s current average unit volume, reflecting more than two decades of steady growth.

Loyal team leadership has also helped the family business succeed. Their daughter-in-law, Kristen, has worked full time at the store since it opened in 2005. Ice cream maker Laura joined the team in 2006, the same year current general manager Alicia started as a 16-year-old scooper. That kind of experience and continuity has helped the business thrive for more than two decades.

For Bill, some of the most rewarding experiences have come from the people they've worked with. Over the years, the Jaraes have helped more than 20 young employees work their way through college. They've also built lasting relationships with customers who have made Bruster’s part of their family traditions.

Today, the next generation is carrying on the business. The Jaraes' son, DJ, and daughter-in-law now operate the Carolina Forest location, and the family has discussed opening a second Bruster’s.

It's a long way from that first visit to a Bruster’s near Pittsburgh in 2003. What began with a taste of freshly made ice cream and the sight of customers lining up in the snow has become a business that has served their family and community for more than 20 years.

And after all those years, Bill gives a quick “Yes,” when asked if he'd make the same decision again.

Ready to scoop up an opportunity of your own? Learn how Bruster’s Real Ice Cream helps franchise owners get started and supports them as they grow. Visit brustersfranchise.com to explore the opportunity.

Related Stories