The Upper East Side is getting sweeter. Just in time for New York City’s abnormally sweltering spring temperatures, Häagen-Dazs will celebrate the grand opening of its new Upper East Side store this Saturday by giving away lots of cold, delicious ice cream.
Starting at noon on Saturday, May 20th, Häagen-Dazs will give away free ice cream to the first 500 guests at its scoop shop at 1306 Second Avenue between East 68th and 69th Streets. There will also be scratch-off cards with a chance to win free Häagen-Dazs ice cream for life and other giveaways.
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Despite its Danish-sounding name, Häagen-Dazs was born right here in New York City. Polish immigrants Reuben and Rose Mattus founded the company in The Bronx in 1960.
In an interview before he died in 1994, Reuben Mattus explained how the couple chose the name for their now world-famous premium ice cream.
“The only country which saved the Jews during World War II was Denmark, so I put together a totally fictitious Danish name and had it registered,” Mattus told author Joan Nathan, adding that “Häagen-Dazs doesn’t mean anything. [But] it would attract attention, especially with the umlaut.”
If you aren’t among the first 500 guests to snag a free scoop at Saturday’s grand opening on the Upper East Side, Häagen-Dazs recommends you try their newest seasonal drink, the Pineapple Coconut Shake.
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Paying homage to a Piña Colada, albeit without the alcohol, the shake is made with the company’s popular Pineapple Coconut ice cream, topped with whipped cream and garnished with a slice of fresh pineapple.
The flavors will have you dreaming of lounging in a beach chair on a tropical vacation in no time. It’s available through June 14th.
