While most students are back in school for the fall semester, the summer season is not officially over. Fall begins at the end of September. Bad news when you have to spend the majority of your day in class, labs, or just studying to get a jump start on the semester. However, good news for the food company that was virtually nonexistent for the past few months. Yes, I’m talking about the one and only Blue Bell Creameries. I don’t know about the rest of you but my summer has not been the same.
Blue Bell was founded in Brenham, Texas in 1907. At the beginning of this summer, Blue Bell stopped production and recalled its product due to an outbreak of Listeria. I don’t mean to demean the infections and deaths that resulted from this outbreak. I only want to reminisce about good times with an excellent brand.
This past week I woke up with a smile. I had a dream about Blue Bell. I went home for the weekend to pick up a few things for my room. And as I was double checking to make sure I haven't left anything behind, I saw my mom was waiting for me in the kitchen with her hands behind her back. As I walked closer to her, the sun light gleamed through the windows. She brought her hands forward and revealed a half gallon tub of Blue Bell Buttered Pecan ice cream.
I know what you’re thinking: a bit dramatic. I would have been satisfied with any selection of snow cones, lemonades or any ice cream brand with a wide assortment of flavors. Yet, the name Blue Bell still consumes my conscience. However, with all the other options to cool down with during the summer, why did I think of that brand?
I had to evaluate what the Blue Bell brand meant to me. First off, it’s popular. This is evidenced by the expanse of empty shelves in grocery stores. The stores have tried to fill the shelves with the other ice cream brands, but nothing can occupy the space in the same way that Blue Bell has for over a century.
Second, it’s a trusted local staple. When I order ice cream at an eatery in a small town, more likely than not, I am going to be served a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream. Since Blue Bell was not available to consume, many restaurants had to eliminate dessert options from their menus or find a new source of ice cream.
The Blue Bell brand still maintains an established history as a company. The return of their products would reinstate a shared confidence in the Blue Bell brand across all communities.
Blue Bell has already restarted production and plans to be back in stores in the next few days. Only four flavors will be available when the product returns to stores; Homemade Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, Cookies ’n Cream and Great Divide. The products will be available in large grocery stores across Texas on August 31st.
Brace yourselves.
