Herrell's Is A Quintessential Ice Cream Shop In Massachusetts That Will Take You Back To The Good Old Days
By Sarah McCosham|Published July 26, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Nothing is more delightful than visiting a neighborhood ice cream shop. Classic and nostalgic, these mom-and-pop shops harken back to a kinder, simpler time of warm afternoons, firefly-lit nights, swimming pools, and Capture the Flag. Summer is an especially treasured time in the Northeast, when winters can seem to go on forever, making the precious months of sun and warmth — and their accompanying sweet treats — all the more special.
While this region of the country is known for its infamous winters, it’s also a bit of an ice cream mecca, with one particular dynamic duo — Ben and Jerry — hailing from none other than the Green Mountain State. But before Ben and Jerry’s, there was Steve, the owner and visionary of Massachusetts’ Steve’s Ice Cream. Steve Herrell’s eponymous first ice cream shop in Somerville opened in 1973. Herrell’s, his second ice cream business in the Bay State, opened in 1980. It’s Herrell’s, the long-standing, family-run establishment in Northampton, Massachusetts, that has stood the test of time, pioneering new techniques while giving folks a quintessential taste of summer, any time of year.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2022 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Massachusetts to Southern California.
Few things in the world make people as happy as ice cream. It's a universal language. Whether you're a milkshake monster or dairy free, into #sundaefunday or gelato connoisseur, there's ice cream for everyone, in pretty much every culture and country across the world.
And in Northampton, Massachusetts, Herrell's has been dishing up scoops of smiles since 1980 -- and not only that, but also revolutionizing the very dessert medium itself.
A pioneer of the "Smoosh-In" technique, more than 40 years ago, Steve Herrell had the brilliant idea of mashing toppings straight into the ice cream. This is common practice today but in the 1970s? Revolutionary.
Explains Herrell's President Judith Herrell: "Our founder Steve Herrell was responsible for revolutionizing the [stagnant] ice cream industry by serving the highest quality, best flavored ice cream available anywhere -- and pioneered the renaissance of the homemade, fresh, 'gourmet' ice cream trade!"
In fact, Ben & Jerry (yes, that Ben & Jerry) were fans and visitors of Steve’s even before they opened their titular shop in 1978. They actually spoke with Steve about opening their own ice cream place in Vermont, drawing from his experiences.
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Steve "mechanically altered" the motor on a small batch freezer and created an "extraordinary rich, creamy, low-air, ice cream, like the kind of ice cream made using a hand-cranked freezer," says Judith.
"[Steve] was the first person to grind up popular cookies and candies - such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®, Heath Bars,® and Oreo’s® - and incorporating them into his ice cream," she adds.
Word quickly spread about this hot new treat, and folks lined up to try these newfangled, next-level desserts, all made in-house and using the finest, freshest ingredients possible, a standard to which Herrell's has held themselves to since the beginning.
"We make everything on the premise. All of our ice cream and frozen desserts, sauces, [and] baked goods are made from scratch using the finest ingredients available," says Judith.
And it's not just smooshed-up sundaes at Herrell's, either. In addition to its artisan premium ice cream, Herrell's also sells No-Moo® dairy-free frozen desserts (a pooch favorite!), no sugar added ice cream, sherbet and sorbets, and frozen yogurts *and* they have an on-site bakery offering that even has vegan and gluten-free options.
"Our success is attributed to creating unique delicious flavors with our customers in mind. We offer a wide variety of frozen desserts to allow nearly all to enjoy a frozen treat. We believe it is important to win the customer back every time and have great customer service."
And, by the looks of it, they've certainly succeeded. Herrell's "On the Moove" mobile truck is regularly requested at local festivals and private events, including weddings.
In addition, the company generously gives back to the community, supporting educational projects and programs, health and welfare organizations, and nonprofits that work with children and adults with special needs. "We offer sponsorships and support many local community organizations, including educational and medical programs for kids and the elderly. Herrell’s often supports our community in many ways, including donations, fun food, and in-kind contributions," explains Judith.
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Because at the end of the day, the people of Northampton, Massachusetts, have supported this iconoclastic ice cream shop for over four decades. The legacy of this ice cream shop is 42 years and still going strong, maintaining its founder's dedication to creativity, the pursuit of excellence, and heartfelt commitment to the community.
When you stop into this ice cream shop on Old South Street today, you'll be greeted by friendly faces; some of which are the children of Herrell's original staff members!
Decades after Steve Herrell did something wild with a classic, Herrell's has become a beloved cornerstone of the Northampton, Massachusetts, community -- a place that, once you visit, will surely capture your heart... and stomach!
Many thanks to Judith Herrell, President of Herrell’s, for sharing the story of this delightful ice cream shop in Massachusetts. Learn more about Herrell’s Ice Cream & Bakery at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and visit the brick-and-mortar store at 8 Old South Street, Northampton, MA, 01060.
Of course, Herrell’s is just one of the many amazing small businesses in Massachusetts; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Massachusetts article. And be sure to follow Only In Massachusetts on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Bay State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.
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