Ben & Jerrys Scoop Shop of Memphis

My favorite ice cream in all of ice cream history is, and forever shall be, Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. Whenever I take a bite of this delicious, banana-​y, walnut-​y goodness I want to give Ben and/​or Jerry a big old bear hug. Thank you for creating ice cream heaven!
Now for those of you who think Ben & Jerry’s is your average run of the mill chain ice cream shop, think again. I just happened upon a Ben & Jerry documentary last month. I sat in awe of what was coming out of my screen. Sure, I always knew Ben & Jerry were a step above the rest ice cream wise, but I just didn’t know how much of a step ahead they were. If ever there was a chain-​store that wasn’t really a chain-​store, Ben & Jerry’s is it. They started locally in their home town in Vermont. They were your average random dudes who loved ice cream so much, they opened there very own store front. They catered (and thankfully continue to do so) to their Vermont local B&J heads and made it known how much they were appreciated. I couldn’t keep track of how many times during this documentary they both stated how much in debt they were to their loyal customers out there. Sure, eventually this ice cream took on a life of its own, but not without some serious guidelines from Ben & Jerry themselves. They still offer «free cone day» to give back to the community that built them, back in the day they established a Vermont-​only public stock offering to raise money for a new manufacturing facility– again allowing their loyal Vermont folks to own a piece of the company they helped build, and they are forever doing their part to donate and help with charities that improve upon the American lifestyle as a whole. I highly suggest you spend about 10 minutes on their website reading the «activism» page. Its enlightening.
Their mission statement really says it all– «We have a progressive, nonpartisan social mission that seeks to meet human needs and eliminate injustices in our local, national and international communities by integrating these concerns into our day-​to-​day business activities. Our focus is on children and families, the environment and sustainable agriculture on family farms.» Seriously? Who wouldn’t want to devour ice cream that actually stands for something? One that has a meaning and a cause, and does both incredible justice. I heart Ben & Jerry’s, not just cuz their ice cream is outstanding, but because they stand for so much more, and I know my hard earned money is going to something good. For my belly and my environment.
This location is nothing short of Ben & Jerry’s brilliance. I love the staff, they are incredibly, warm and friendly and will allow you a sample, or 5, if you cannot make up your mind. It is a local business inside of a franchise. That’s something I can get my heart and mouth around.

Ben and Jerry. My two best friends. And if you love these guys like I do, you’re in luck. Because there’s a scoop shop located right across from Malco’s Paradiso movie theater, which makes for a perfect before (or after) movie treat.
Maybe both. :)
They have the usual goodies you’d expect: Sundaes, Banana Splits, Cups, Cones, Smoothies and even Iced Coffees. And all of their fabulous and famous flavors. My favorite? The Chunky Monkey Hot Fudge Sundae, baby. Cherry on top.