New Vineyard ice cream parlor is a step back in history
Brian Brooker, of Cedar Hills, poses with one of his ice creams at his business, Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream, on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The new ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Sarah Evans, 14, of Cedar Hills, watches as others scoop ice cream while they and others prepare the parlor at Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The new ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Brian Brooker, of Cedar Hills, scoops ice cream as he and others prepare the parlor at Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Jamie Brooker cleans the Revolutionary War era clothing worn by her son, Parley, 8, after he got some ice cream on it as they and others prepare the parlor at Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
William Welch, 14, eats ice cream as he and others prepare the parlor at Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Chelsey Pinney, of Springville, demonstrates how to scoop ice cream as she and others prepare the parlor at Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Brain Brooker, of Cedar Hills, poses at his business, Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream, on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Vineyard. The ice cream parlor opened to the public on Saturday. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
With shouts of a grand huzzah, the ribbon was cut at Brookers Founding Flavors Ice Cream Parlor in Vineyard on Saturday.
The one-of-a-kind ice cream parlor, located at 568 N. Mill Road in front of the Larry Miller Megaplex Theatres, is owned by Brian and Jamie Brooker. Jamie Brooker grew up in Utah and Brian in Virginia. Standing with them and a host of Colonial period dressed employees and guests — including people posing as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin — the Brookers’ dream became a reality.
“The grand opening of Brookers’ Founding Flavors is just the beginning of Mill-town taking shape around the Megaplex in Vineyard,” said Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer.
Brooker’s Founding Flavors sells only super premium ice cream made with 100 percent cream. The flavors are named after the Founders and others who built the early United States. The crepes are named after French heroes that helped in the Revolutionary War efforts.
If you come in to the modern day tavern, your pick of the menu is almost endless. Items include “George Washington’s Indispensable Flavor,” made with dark chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cups, peanut butter candies, and peanut butter swirl, and “Dolly Madison’s Lemonicious Delight” of pure lemon ice cream.
You might also try “Peter Salem’s Distinguished Maple Bacon Pecan” flavor with maple ice cream, dark chocolate-covered bacon and pralined pecans.
For the real choco-holic, satisfy your taste buds with “Patrick Henry’s Give Me Chocolate or Give Me Death” ice cream featuring dark chocolate ice cream, chunks of chocolate fudge chip brownie, chocolate truffle and a swirl of chocolate ganache.
If those don’t suit your fancy, there are many more flavors, toppings and sauces. Or just order the “Liberty Bell” — that holds 13 flavors, several toppings, whipped cream and a cherry on top. Eat it by yourself in 30 minutes or less and it’s free.
Brian and Jamie Brooker took the love of ice cream and history and blended the idea into new kind of ice cream parlor.
Lynne Burnett of American Fork was at the grand opening and tried John Hancock’s Signature Mint Chocolate Truffle ice cream.
“It’s very creamy and the chocolate is wonderful,” Burnett said. “It has a perfect mint color. I’d recommend it.”
Helping with the ribbon cutting was Claire Inouye, Miss Vineyard Outstanding Teen 2019.
“The hazelnut ice cream is absolutely amazing and super creamy,” Inouye said. “I would recommend it to anybody.”
Inuoye said she also liked the welcoming décor of the modern tavern.
Fullmer said she is excited for the new growth coming to Vineyard including Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream.
“Brian Brooker shared his dream of providing top single-source local dairy ice cream, crepes and early American hot chocolate. He said he was inspired as he was living near Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, a reminder of what’s possible in our country,” Fullmer said.
“We are excited about Brooker’s becoming a unique part of our community,” Fullmer said in an emailed comment. “We love supporting our businesses.”
Brian Brooker said he considered opening first in Williamsburg, Virginia, but chose to come back to Utah and the fastest growing city in the state.
Brooker has traveled the country doing research and looking at what other ice cream establishments were doing. He also imported some of his antique ice cream equipment from Europe.
The parlor even has a huge window so customers can watch the ice cream being made.
“It was wonderful to meet everyone and to participate in the fun events. They brought out and used the Colonial printing press to print the Declaration of Independence,” Fullmer said.
Members of the Colonial Heritage Foundation and Festival provided ambiance for the grand-opening event.
“It’s amazing watching the transformation of mud, grass-fields and construction zones become places to gather with friends and family,” Fullmer said.
Fullmer added, “I met with the owner of (Ymami) Japanese BBQ at Brooker’s opening today and he said he is reserving Dec. 20 for their big day. Rocket Fizz Soda and Candy shop, Chubby’s, and Puppy Barn have their signs up and are on their way.”
Several more restaurants and shops in Vineyard will be opening in the next few weeks.
“The Megaplex is one of the top performing theaters per screen in the state. It will be exciting to walk and get dinner and dessert before a movie or on the way to a UVU sporting event across the street,” Fullmer said in an email.
Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream parlor hours:
From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
From 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
Close Sunday
Brooker’s offers space for parties and can make your favorite ice cream on request.
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