Gofer Ice Cream Opens New Shop In New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — Gofer Ice Cream recently opened a new shop at 103 Main Street in New Canaan, the company's sixth location and third franchised shop in Fairfield County, according to officials.

Launched in 2003, Gofer Ice Cream has grown in popularity throughout the area, and now boasts shops in Cos Cob, Darien and Stamford, among others.

"I'm proud of the team and my family for helping get us this far," said founder and Greenwich native Jay Ragusa. "They say success is never a straight line, and we can prove that. Despite recent setbacks including a fire at our original location in October 2019, and the recent pandemic, we have been very fortunate to have built a business and brand that customers, crew members and franchisees seem to love."

Gofer Ice Cream specializes in premium hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, in addition to plant-based ice cream, fat-free Gofer Lite, Italian ice, smoothies, and Razzles. It also sells other ice cream products and novelties.

The company formed Gofer Franchise Systems LLC last year to relaunch the franchise opportunity with plans of expanding in the region, and the New Canaan shop was able to come online quickly by taking over a site where a Baskin Robbins closed after more than 20 years.

"There are several specific towns I always had my eye on since we started in 2003, and New Canaan is one of them," said Ragusa, who lives in Stamford. "We are off to a great start, feedback has been positive and sales are record-breaking for a Gofer Ice Cream launch. This will certainly help with future expansion plans for the brand."

He added that franchise opportunities are available, interest has been strong in recent weeks, a good sign under the pandemic and current economic situation.