As Haagen-Dazs turns 50, the premium ice cream brand is giving a present to its guests with its annual Free Flavor Day. From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today in any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop across the country, ice cream lovers can wish the brand a "Happy Birthday" and enjoy a free scoop of one of three original all-natural ice cream flavors: Haagen-Dazs chocolate, coffee or vanilla.
"This is a huge milestone for us, and we're thrilled to be celebrating our 50th birthday with our loyal fans," said Haagen-Dazs Shops brand manager Julie Fleigle. "Free Flavor Day gives us an opportunity to give back to our dedicated supporters who have made us the successful ice cream brand we are today."
Haagen-Dazs ice cream reflects decades of passion and creativity that began in the early 1920s when Reuben Mattus, a young entrepreneur, sold fruit ice and ice cream pops from a horse-drawn wagon on the bustling streets of New York. The Haagen-Dazs brand officially launched in 1960 with three classic all-natural ice cream flavors — Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla — that remain popular favorites today.
Haagen-Dazs initially was only available in container packages at gourmet shops in New York City, but distribution soon expanded throughout the East Coast. By 1973, Haagen-Dazs products were sold across the United States. In 1976, Mattus' daughter, Doris, opened the first Haagen-Dazs Scoop Shop in Brooklyn, N.Y. It was an immediate success, and its popularity led to a rapid expansion of shops across the country, with 257 shops now nationwide.
