Springfield's Baskin-Robbins to Discontinue French Vanilla Ice Cream Flavor

There's an old saying in the cutthroat, dog-eat-dog ice cream business: Those who churn sentiment into their creamy mixtures are doomed to financial ruin. For more than six decades, mega-conglomerate Baskin-Robbins has followed this old chestnut religiously, and it has clearly paid off.  The company currently operates 2,700 stores in the United States, including the popular location on Mountain Avenue here in Springfield.

As the ice cream behemoth prepares to celebrate its 65th birthday, we here at the Springfield Patch have uncovered information that Baskin-Robbins has made plans to retire five of the flavors that customers have come to rely on for their cooling summer treats, including the ever-popular French Vanilla.  These flavors, which have served the company loyally for years, will be relegated to what the company refers to somewhat flippantly as "The Deep Freeze."  Newer flavors -- younger flavors that have no concept of loyalty or what it takes to make a customer happy -- will be introduced in their place.

"I'll miss French Vanilla, sure.  I've scooped a lot of it," whispered one of the employees who requested anonymity, looking around nervously from his position behind the counter.  "But the Company has made up its mind and we can't look back.  After all, those who churn sentiment into their creamy mixtures are doomed to financial ruin, right?  I mean, that's what they said on the training video."  His voice cracks at the end.  I can't be sure if I'm witnessing grief or puberty, but it's moving nonetheless.

A glare from the young man's manager silences him and he quickly re-focused his attention on scraping the French Vanilla label off the refrigerator glass.

You don't win Pulitzers for journalistic excellence by leaving a story like this half-covered, so Patch decided to interview customers entering this establishment of corporate callousness, and we were shocked by the response.

"That's a shame. I loved French Vanilla," said one resident in his 70's who had come in to enjoy a cool treat with his wife. "Sure it was a little bland after a while, and who doesn't like a little spice now and then?  But it was always there for me, no matter what. I think that's what makes a good, long-term flavor."

Gently, we broke the news to him of the popular flavor's fate.  Disappointment registered briefly on his face, only to be replaced by something else indefineable.  He glanced sideways at his wife.

"Younger flavors, did you say?" He leans forward.  "Where exactly is this Deep Freeze?"

The other flavors being retired include Caramel Praline Cheesecake, Campfire S'Mores, Apple Pie Ala Mode, and Superfudge Truffle.  They will only remain available until supplies last, so hurry over to Mountain Avenue and get them while you can.