Beloved South County Ice Cream Shop Gets a New Owner and Name
Growing up in Rhode Island, we all have our favorite ice cream shop. Fans of Brickley’s were surprised to learn it’s now changing to Baron's.
Via Getty Images / stock-eye
The Brickley’s location in Narragansett has recently been sold to a new owner, Brendan Kenny, and it has been renamed Baron’s Homemade Ice Cream. Brendan worked at Brickley’s for twelve years before taking over for the old owners, Chris and Steve Brophy. His brother Kieran Kenny helps to run Baron’s. Kieran has worked there for eight years, giving the brothers a combined twenty years of ice creamery experience.
The shop is named after their dog, Baron, who Brendan adopted after college. “He’s such a good boy we wanted to make a namesake for him,” says Kieran. The consistency of keeping the new name one word that starts with a “B” was part of the choice, to ease the transition on customers. Baron is featured around the place, on the employees’ shirts, and on the signs. He even makes an appearance at the shop sometimes!
But what about the classic, creamy, Brickley’s ice cream? They confirmed the recipes will stay the same. So not to worry, the classic Butter Brickley is here to stay. The only change will be adding flavors, which will be produced in the same manner and with the same ingredients and base recipes. They have already added three new flavors and tried out a “flavor of the week,” which sold out on its debut night.
When asked about why the decision to take over Brickley’s was made, Kieran credited the original owner. “He made us fall in love with business itself,” says Kieran, “… putting smiles on people’s faces.” They both started working at Brickley’s because growing up in Narragansett, they heard about the positive environment (and good money for teenagers!)
Brendan has had quite a journey at Brickley’s. He started out at the counter, before being promoted to ice cream maker, then to shift manager, general manager, and is now an owner. The original owners have expressed confidence in the brothers’ business in their Facebook announcement in April. To view the menu or learn more about Baron’s, visit baronsicecream.com.
