Yarnell Ice Cream Co.
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Yarnell Ice Cream Company is the privately-owned and operated manufacturer of Yarnell's brand ice cream, frozen yogurt and sherbet products. Founded in 1932, the company's corporate headquarters are located along the east side of Spring Park in downtown Searcy, Arkansas, with 11 branch operations throughout three states. The company is also the only independent ice cream company in Arkansas, where it commands a large portion of the market share, competing against national and regional brands such as Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries. Yarnell has been called, "Searcy’s version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory" by local reporter Warren Watkins.
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[edit] History
From its origins in a bankrupt dairy purchased by Ray Yarnell, the company has evolved into a fourth-generation family-owned business. His son, Albert Yarnell, has worked at the factory in some capacity since its early days and watched his dad steer the company through pitfalls that devoured other businesses during the Depression era. Back then, Yarnell’s ice cream sandwiches were hand crafted and all ice cream deliveries were toted via four small delivery trucks and even a bicycle. By the end of its first year of business, Yarnell’s had an inventory of 333 gallons of the tasty ice cream. The cache of treats was valued at a grand total of $934.
After his college years and the end of World War II, Albert returned in 1948 and assumed the role of sales manager. Under his guidance, Yarnell’s expanded throughout the state and improved its mechanisms of production.
By the 1970’s Yarnell’s was grossing $1 million in sales.
In 1975, Rogers, Albert’s son, jumped aboard full time. The 50th anniversary celebration was held in 1982, upon which the unique gold rim was added to the company’s offerings. In 1995, Yarnell’s underwent a major expansion of its factory to keep up with the demand of its product.
Albert likes to bring up the fact that in 1948, there were approximately 48 ice cream companies competing with Yarnell’s in Arkansas. Seventy-five years later there are none.
According to The Daily Citizen (Searcy) newspaper, "Yarnell’s developed the first ice milk product in the industry in addition to creating the first fat-free, no sugar added ice cream" ("Downhome Goodness").
Today, Yarnell's offerings include premium and reduced-calorie ice creams, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen novelty treats such as ice cream sandwiches and pre-packaged ice cream cones.
The Yarnell's service area includes the entire states of Arkansas and Mississippi, in addition to portions of Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.
[edit] Flavors
YEAR-ROUND ICE CREAM FLAVORS
1/2 gallons
- Homemade Vanilla
- Angel Food Vanilla
- French Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Cookies 'n Cream
- Neapolitan
- Chocolate Chip
- Mint Chip
- Butter Pecan
- Ozark Black Walnut
- Pralines 'n Cream
- Banana Split
- Strawberry
- Peaches & Cream
Pints
- Homemade Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Cookies 'n Cream
- Mint Chip
- Butter Pecan
- Pralines 'n Cream
- Strawberry
[edit] Work Cited
"It’s the Downhome Goodness." The Daily Citizen (Searcy). 21 June 2007. Online Edition. [1] accessed 22 June 2007.
Watkins, Warren. "Very Important Ice Cream." The Daily Citizen (Searcy). 25 June 2007. Online Edition. [2] accessed 26 June 2007.
