35: Ben Van Leeuwen on Founding and Growing Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (@vanleeuwenicecream)
On this episode, Ben Van Leeuwen sits down with me to discuss everything there is to know about my favorite ice cream: Van Leeuwen. Ben shares the story of founding Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and what inspired him to bring attainable, delicious and incredibly sourced ingredients to the ice cream scene in New York City and around the country. We also shared our favorite flavors and memories surrounding Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Ben shared some exciting growing announcements about what is next for VL!
Show Notes:
This episode was recorded in Samsung’s 837 building in the Meatpacking District @samsungmobileusa #samsungexperience
Follow Van Leeuwen on Instagram:
@vanleeuwenicecream
Follow me:
Instagram: @freckledfoodie
Website: freckledfoodie.com
Youtube: Cameron Rogers / Freckled Foodie
Pinterest: Freckled Foodie
Follow Up Q&A:
First thing you do in the morning? If I have time, I exercise. I like Warrior Boot Camp, it’s Marine Corps style training. I need to exercise a lot because I eat so much ice cream.
What advice would you give your younger self? Only do things that you enjoy and that you’re interested in.
Wellness trend you love and wellness trend you wish would end. Love: Plant-based diets. End: Low calorie ice cream.
First Job? Yard work
Proudest moment? When I made our first batch of vegan ice cream, it was the best vegan ice cream I had ever tasted. As good as any regular ice cream I had tried.
3 most used emojis? ️️🙂😁😑
Favorite ice cream flavor? Vegan strawberry jam cookie crumble
Favorite meal of the day? Lunch, because I often skip breakfast so I’m ravenous by lunch.
Favorite NYC spot? Russian Turkish baths on 10th St. in the East Village.
Won’t leave the apartment without…? My van moof (bike). I move around through Brooklyn and Manahattan a lot every day visiting our stores, going to meetings, visiting new potential store sites and moving between our office and factory in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Having a bike is far and away the most efficient way and healthiest way to get around the city.