Berens Frozen Custard celebrates anniversary

Berens Frozen Custard celebrates anniversary
By Beth Volpert-Johansen

April 2nd will officially mark the 5th year Berens Frozen Custard has been a permanent part of the Snellville culinary scene, however, the tasty treat has enjoyed a far longer history beyond its current location. Founded in 1976 by Don Berens, Frozen Custard quickly became a favorite at the original store in Doraville and throughout the Atlanta area.

The brand expanded over the years, but then closed their storefronts to focus on special events. Their permanent stand at the monthly Don Scott Antique Show near Hartsfield International Airport enjoys an international clientele who look forward to the unique treat while treasure hunting.

The Snellville location was opened by Don’s son, Mark, in 2010. After several years of serving up the freshly-made frozen custard at a variety of local events around the area, Mark and his wife, Debbie, thought that it was time to reestablish a shop. Encouraged by their most loyal customers who sought them out each year at the Snellville Days Festival, where Berens won best food vendor in 2009, the pair felt confident in the venture. “Our community has been fantastic in supporting us,” says Mark Berens. “We are in a unique location that draws customers from Grayson, South Gwinnett, and the Archer area.” After developing such a dedicated following, Mark and Debbie established the shop where their customers could find them all year long.  From local sports teams, High School clubs, Mother’s clubs, Daddy date nights, and individual parties, Berens Frozen Custard offers something for everyone.

Custard fans come from all around the area to savor the creamy taste that is created from the custard-making process. “We have an old-fashioned quality here,” says Mark. “The custard is made fresh every couple of hours, so our customers get the best taste possible.” While ice cream and custard both begin with cream, milk and sugar, the process is very different. Frozen custard also contains egg yolks which gives it a silky texture. Specially designed machines freeze the custard quickly to avoid large ice crystals. Additionally, the machines churn the custard slowly to avoid excess air which makes the custard denser and richer than traditional ice creams.  At Berens, there is always vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, plus a different “Flavor of the Day,” featuring such favorites as Pistachio Pineapple (their signature flavor), Butter Pecan, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Dreamsicle, Salted Caramel, and even Eggnog, a favorite around the holidays. 

The old-fashioned soda shop decor is reminiscent of days gone by, but the offerings are fresh and contemporary, including such things you might crave like homemade, hand dipped shakes and malts, specialty sundaes, Root Beer floats, and a frozen custard specialty called the Concrete, a blend of vanilla frozen custard with your favorite “mix-in” added.  The name comes from the Concrete being so thick with frozen custard, that you can actually turn the cup upside down and it won’t fall out!  The staff is equally qualified and trained in every aspect of customer service, with the manager, Alex, having been with the shop since it opened, and the rest of the crew each having been there for over a year.  That’s a lot of frozen custard to scoop!

The whole family plans to be on hand to scoop celebration custard for customers during the 5th Anniversary Party to be held on Saturday, April 4th. There will be live music, an appearance by Elsa from Frozen, and plenty of frozen flavors to satisfy any palate, all freshly made in the tradition of a family business with a long history of pleasing frozen custard ice cream fans throughout Atlanta and internationally. Make sure to mark your calendars-this tasty celebration will be the talk of the town.  The shop is located in Cooper Village Shopping Center, 1132 Athens Hwy., Grayson, at the corner of Cooper Rd. and Hwy. 78, 770/736-7762, www.berensfrozencustard.com. Hours:  Sun-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m; Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

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