If you’re old enough to remember Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlours, you no doubt delighted in the colors, the candy, and the noise that accompanied decant desserts like the Portland Zoo or the Pig Trough. (See the video above if you aren’t familiar with these tasty treats.) You also probably felt sadness when Farrell’s closed and thought that they were no more than a nostalgic memory to be filed with the demise of the Beatles or the death of Elvis.
But hold on! Farrell’s is back!
Already open in 2 Hawaii locations and at an experimental Santa Clarita location in Southern California, a full-fledged, historically recreated Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour is set to open in Mission Viejo this month.
Farrell’s originated in Portland, Oregon in 1963 and grew to 60 successful locations mostly in the west before it was purchased by east-coast-based Marriott Corp. who expanded in the east for a total of 132 locations. Originator, Bob Farrell withdrew from his consulting role and Farrell’s was sold to a San Francisco company that thought Farrell’s should be more mainstream. They kept the menu, but removed the fun. By the late 1980s, Farrell’s folded.
Retro Restaurant Returns
Farrell's Ice Cream Parlours Are Back!
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgia Dining - Opportunity to capitalize on past trends by recreating beloved dining experiences from a bygone era.
2. Historical Recreation - Creating an immersive and authentic experience by recreating a historical brand or location can attract customers looking for a unique dining experience.
3. Regional Cuisine Expansion - Expanding a regional cuisine to new locations can introduce new markets to local favorites and create growth opportunities for a successful brand.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant Industry - The restaurant industry can take advantage of the recent trend of nostalgia dining by recreating beloved brands and dining experiences of the past.
2. Hospitality Industry - The hospitality industry can enhance guest experiences by offering historically recreated dining options at hotels and resorts.
3. Food and Beverage Industry - The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the popularity of regional cuisine by expanding successful brands to new markets while maintaining the regional identity and authenticity.