Ice cream a treat in summer heat

Famous for its variety in the form of 31 different ice cream flavors, the local Carson City Baskin-Robbins store completed a renovation recently to stay competitive in an area where other franchises are branching out into frozen drinks or desserts.

Don Robertson, who owns the 3947 S. Carson St. Baskin-Robbins, said the updates for the international franchise includes bolder colors and new sundaes and shakes.

"We're hoping it kind of re-energizes it," he said. "There's been a lot of competition in the last year within a mile of me on both sides."

The Baskin-Robbins competes with the frozen drinks offered at Keva Juice and Starbucks. A Cold Stone Creamery also operates in north Douglas County on Topsy Lane.

The creamery plans to open another store off the highway in Minden. This is a franchise that has also gained popularity because of its variety. Cold Stone Creamery offers ice cream and a choice of "mix-in combinations." According to the company's Web site, it has 11.5 million possible combinations.

Robertson and his wife, Susan, opened the Baskin-Robbins shop in October 1995. Until now it's had the same off-white monotone look. The brand has added bright pinks, including a large illuminated pink crow above the sundae center. The Carson City couple invested about $60,000 into the renovation.

Central Sierra Construction, of Minden, worked on the May renovations. Outside signs were changed this past week.

"I've always loved it (ice cream). It's not that I eat it everyday. But I sure could. I got into it as more of a business, but it's kind of a passion."

Before ice cream, Robertson managed ski shops in Colorado and at Heavenly.

The question I really wanted answered: Why is it 31 flavors? Why not a nice round 32, or even 50, that way you have that alliteration going on. Fifty flavors sounds just as appealing to me.

"The reason they decided to have at least 31 is so that you can come in each day of the month and have a different flavor," he said.

If the trademark works; stick with it.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.