Vanilla Bean Creamery Proves That Dreams Can Come True

For local ice cream shop Vanilla Bean Creamery, victory never tasted so sweet.

On Saturday, July 16th, Cranford’s own Vanilla Bean Creamery won 1st place in the 9th Annual People’s Choice in the New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival for their Banana’s Foster flavor. Ten businesses from around the state competed in hopes of winning this year’s title. Around 5,000 individuals received a small sampling of the Creamery’s ice cream, but that was enough to win them over. Owner Ralph Kopelman says he was shocked when he realized his shop entered in at the top spot.

“I felt that we had a good chance,” said Kopelman of the competition at the Festival. “I believed we would make it to at least the top three. Then when we heard the winners from last year won 2nd place and we won 1st, my jaw dropped.”

After his win, Kopelman took home a banner and a plaque, which currently hangs in his store. The year-old Vanilla Bean Creamery beat out rival ice cream shops that had been around for years.

Before opening up his business, Kopelman frequently made his own ice cream straight from his home.

“I bought one of those $79 ice cream machines from Bed Bath and Beyond and just started making ice cream,” he said. “With the support of my wife and children, I decided to turn my passion into a business.”

Kopelman and his family found the building where the current Creamery is located through an advertisement on the website Craig’s List. The family bought the establishment, cleaned it up, and turned it into the tasty treat-serving shop it is today. The business has been very popular.

“We’re doing really well here,” Kopelman said. “Many people seem to enjoy our ice cream.”

Vanilla Bean’s most popular flavors of ice cream include Cookie Monster, made with Oreos and chocolate chips, as well as the now famous Banana’s Foster, made with bananas, brown sugar, and other tasty ingredients. As for competing in the New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival next year, Kopelman says there is no question about it.

“I have to defend my title, right?”