From a Career in Finance to a Passion for Bruster's Real Ice Cream 

For Heather Harrison, owning a Bruster's Real Ice Cream franchise in Westwood, New Jersey, alongside her husband John, isn't just a business venture...it's a nostalgic full-circle moment.

Heather's history with Bruster's began in high school when she worked as a scooper at a Bruster’s location in Pennsylvania. She recalls the energetic atmosphere, the camaraderie with other students who worked there, and the valuable lessons in responsibility. These early experiences left a lasting positive impression.

After a successful 15-year career in finance in the e-commerce sector, including roles at startups later acquired by Amazon and Walmart, Heather decided to step back from full-time work to spend more time with her young children. This transition sparked the desire to own a small business and Bruster's immediately stood out.

“As someone who is obsessed with ice cream, I could honestly say that Bruster's is hands down the best ice cream in the country. On top of that, I knew how rewarding and fun of an environment it is to work in,” she says.

A visit with the Bruster's corporate team in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, solidified the decision to open a franchise location. Heather and John were impressed by the “down to earth, smart, kind, and genuine” nature of the corporate team. While they briefly considered independent businesses, the support network and established community of a franchise ultimately proved more appealing.

They opened their Westwood, New Jersey, location in June 2024 and Heather says it has more than lived up to their expectations. Heather says a significant aspect of owning a Bruster's is the connection to the community and the opportunity to give back.

“One of the greatest joys of Bruster's is working with young adults and having the opportunity to provide mentorship, leadership, and growth opportunities and knowing that their experience working at Bruster's will impact them forever.”

As a local business owner, she also values the ability to partner with local organizations for fundraising and contributing to community events. She says being at the center of people's happy moments – from casual dessert outings to milestone celebrations – adds a special layer of fulfillment.

Heather is quick to highlight the support she has received from the Bruster's corporate team during the entire process. “Bruster's has been highly supportive throughout from Meet The Team Day (the final step of discovery process held at the corporate office with the executive team) through our real estate search, to build out and development, and on through our opening day. The support has been tremendous and ongoing,” she says. She adds that the company’s intranet has been invaluable providing resources in everything from training to inventory management.

With their first location thriving, Heather and John are already planning for more. They have signed agreements for two additional territories and are eager to expand their success story with the Bruster's Real Ice Cream family. Heather says returning to her roots in the ice cream business has not only brought professional fulfillment but also a deep connection to her community and the joy of being a part of creating happy moments for others.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream offers a proven franchise opportunity built on a legacy of premium, handcrafted frozen treats. Bruster's caters to a wide range of customer preferences with over 150 irresistible flavors, including non-dairy oat milk options, sherbet, Italian ice, and sorbet. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to freshness. Each of their 200-plus independently owned locations crafts at least 24 unique flavors daily using Bruster's own signature, home-style mix delivered fresh from their dairy. This dedication to quality and local craftsmanship has created a loyal customer base and a strong foundation for franchisee success.

Ready to scoop up your own piece of the Bruster's success story? Click here to explore the exciting possibilities of owning a Bruster's Real Ice Cream franchise.

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Bruster's Real Ice Cream
If you are looking for a business that is meaningful and fulfilling, you should take a closer look at Bruster’s® Real Ice Cream Franchise! Learn More