In 1976, Hobart D. Smith opened Bart's Homemade Ice Cream in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. Everything in his shop was made from scratch with the finest quality ingredients available. His super-premium ice cream earned kudos throughout New England and in some national publications. A few years later, when Bart was ready to sell, he would only consider a buyer with the same passion for excellence. He knew he found that commitment in Barbara Fingold and Gary Schaefer, two Social Workers looking for new careers.
In the early days, Barbara and Gary churned out the ice cream in a small two and a half gallon batch freezer. When they opened Bart's Ice Cream of Amherst in 1981, they realized that they needed a larger ice cream making facility. Their search ended when they purchased Snow's Nice Cream Company in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Snow's, a reputable small family owned business, had been making ice cream in Franklin County since 1910.
With Snow's Ice Cream facility, the possibilities for Bart's were unlimited. Barbara and Gary could now make and sell both brands on Snow's delivery route, supply the two stores and make Bart's available throughout the Connecticut River Valley.
The Snow's brand is a family priced premium product that sells in half-gallons, while Bart's is a super-premium, that appeals to adults who want something special and are willing to pay a bit more for it.
Over the past three decades, Barbara and Gary have discovered that besides their love for great ice cream, they were passionate about giving back to their community. They found that by giving to their customers, everyone thrived. Bart's Homemade has given 1% of their gross sales to countless charities and fund raisers. Barbara and Gary contribute their time to important community boards that are working to support a healthy life for all its citizens. Bart's is committed to supporting organizations that are working toward eliminating environmental and social problems. See more on our Sustainable Living page.
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