Baskin-Robbins held its grand opening celebration for a new location on Camden Avenue in San José on Saturday. The event was packed with activities, community camaraderie, and of course ice cream.
Attendants of the grand opening were greeted with a live DJ, Baskin-Robbins’ mascot Coney ready with photo ops, and a spin-the-wheel game for a chance to win free ice cream.
While the DJ, the wheel, and Coney’s appearance made everyone energized at Camden Park, it promoted more than they could’ve hoped by bringing new people together.
Baskin-Robbins’ grand opening demonstrated the power of community through social media, particularly Facebook featured event ads such as store openings, live artists, special deals, and more. These ads can connect, build anticipation, and promote support for local events.
The store’s interior was decorated and ready for the crowd with balloons and streamers lining the walls. Each scoop of one of their iconic 31 flavors came with a free waffle cone and coupon to commemorate the occasion.
Derick Smith, Baskin-Robbins franchise business consultant for this opening spoke about his anticipation for their new store opening,
“This is a brand new Baskin Robbins in San José and this is store No. 15…The franchise is local,” Smith said. “(The franchisees) live here in San José they have four other stores in San José. We’re very excited to be in Camden Park with their latest brand new store.”
Even before the start of the opening, the line was filled with eager customers waiting with friends and family that stretched down across the park.
One of these customers, Tory Jones, accompanied her mother on Saturday to enjoy a sweet treat.
“My mom found out about the event from an ad on her Facebook feed and we decided to make a day of it,” Jones said.
She explained how they enjoy going out to local events to spend quality time with each other while exploring more of San José.
One of the event's highlights was the prize wheel through which customers could win exclusive discounts and merchandise while dancing to the DJ. The excitement of the line was palpable as contestants won prizes and took pictures with Coney.
As people got inside the interior matched the excitement layered on the outside as guests were encouraged to try as many of the 31 flavors.
Baskin-Robbins also showed off their Valentine’s Day inspired heart cakes to help celebrate the holiday and take advantage of a $5 off all cake discount from one of the many wheel-spin prizes.
The location also hosted a special $1.30 per scoop deal, to continue the celebration and these deals can be found around the Bay Area. Similarly in 2023 when the Diversified Restaurant Group opened a new Taco Bell Cantina at San José Westfield Oakridge Mall, the first 100 people in line received a free cup and were entered into a raffle for a year of free tacos.
Whether it was kids dancing around, families enjoying ice cream together, or a Facebook enthusiast, the opening showed the vibrant spirit of the local community and shared the desire to connect with others.
