On this episode, we catch up with Ben Van Leeuwen, the cofounder of a namesake chain of ice cream shops with an accompanying grocery store freezer section line. We invited Ben on the show to talk about what inspires his exacting, hypercreative flavor creation. We also talk about the ups and downs that come with running a growing consumer food brand. Was he freaked out about the Halo Top takeover a few years back? Most certainly. We also talk about flavor booms and busts, and how to sell ice cream in winter. Stick around to hear this inspiring story.

Also on the show, Matt and producer Shalea Harris talk about Shalea’s recent kitchen journey making mchuzi wa nyama ya mbuzi, and shopping for fresh goat meat.

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MORE FROM BEN VAN LEEUWEN:

• Food Truck Week: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream [PBS]

• Finally Ready to Go Big [Brooklyn Magazine]

• The Summer of Halo Top [TASTE]

Buy the book: Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream