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The “lore” of Abbott’s Frozen Custard dates back to 1902 when a young
Arthur Abbott traveling with small carnivals along the eastern
seaboard, began perfecting his recipe for a frozen concoction we know
today as frozen custard. He peddled his delicious dessert for the most
part to support his love of the horse races, little did he know the
impact his heavenly treat would have on the public for years to come.
In 1926, tired of the constant travel he settled in the port town at
Rochester New York. He opened up shop at the corner of Lake and Beach
Avenues, just across the street from Ontario Beach Park, which at the
time was a bustling amusement park that drew crowds of people from all
over the state. Soon people started lining up by the hundreds to enjoy
the super creamy frozen custard that Arthur had worked so hard and so
long to create.
Never content to stay in one place too long, Arthur was attracted to
the Playland at Rye Beach. He opened up several successful shops in
the park, and was enjoying the fruits of his labor. He never did lose
the love of the horses, as a matter of fact with his booming businesses
he could afford to buy his own horse, and that is just what he did.
In 1952 Arthur struck it rich when his prized horse, Blue Man, won the Preakness Stakes, earning Arthur an astonishing $86,135.
Now in his seventies, and financially comfortable, Arthur was seriously
considering the prospect of hanging up his scoops for good.
In
1957 Mr. & Mrs. Schreiber became the proud owners of Abbott’s
Frozen Custard and set out to better the already stellar reputation of
the stand at Charlotte Beach. With a lot of tenacity and “TLC” the
hands on owners took the business to the next level. Truly a family
operated business Abbott’s stood for quality and excellence, and the
customers today will tell you that is what keeps them coming back.
After twenty years of phone calls and inquires about franchising Mr.
Schreiber granted the first franchise at 630 W. Ridge Rd in Rochester
where it still operates today. There would be many other franchise to
follow, along with other additions that contributed to the continued
success of the business. In 1981 Mrs. Schreiber unveiled the
devilishly delicious treat known to all as the Turtle. This popular
item headed a line of frozen novelties still in production today.
Over the years employees have come and gone but a few of the dedicated
ones have managed to continue the high standards that have made
Abbott’s a customer favorite for more than a century. President Gail
Drew (Mr. & Mrs. Schreibers daughter) Vice President Rob Amico
(1975) Senior Franchise Coordinator Joe Orden (1988) and Corporate
District Manager Eric Lepore (1989).
With over 90 years experience driving the expansion of Abbott’s, the
sky is the limit, always keeping in mind that quality is what got us
where we are today.
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