Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Names Kim Ellis New VP of Franchise Development

PITTSBURGH – Kim Ellis, a veteran in planning and executing franchise growth strategies, has been named vice president of franchise development for Bruster’s Real Ice Cream as the chain continues its fast-paced expansion.

Most recently, Ellis held the same title at Snip-its Haircuts for Kids, where she managed franchise expansion strategy, including developing system expansion goals, franchisee-recruitment best practices, and recruiting qualified franchisees. She also was senior consultant for Michael Seid & Associates Worldwide, vice president of corporate development at Process Peak and vice president of online strategy for Hot Dish Advertising.

“Bruster’s is an established brand with proven systems, seasoned support and outstanding unit economics,” she said. “We have some aggressive growth goals ahead, but with all the positive attributes of this brand I’m confident we will achieve them.” The premium frozen treat chain is in the midst of a national expansion program, focusing on the South and West as key regions in its growth strategy. “Kim has proven expertise in developing and executing successful franchise development plans,” said Bruster’s CEO Jim Sahene. “She has a passion for our brand and knows how to recruit franchisees who share that passion.”

The premium frozen treat chain recently signed a franchise agreement for its first Las Vegas shop and opened its first Memphis shop in January. Late last year the brand’s sixth southern California location opened in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance. It most recently opened in Hagerstown, Maryland; Dallas, Texas; and Stockton, California. In total, the brand has commitments for 35 more restaurants, with 14 scheduled to open this year. Six are under construction in San Antonio and Dallas, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Windermere, Florida; Haverhill, Massachusetts; and Athens, Georgia.

In 2017, Bruster’s recorded its fourth consecutive year of same-store sales increases, with cumulative sales growth just under 25 percent for the four-year period.