Industry Announcements: Local Ice Cream Store to open at PKI

Posted at 6:19 PM EST (2319 GMT)

Mar. 15th, 2005 -- KINGS ISLAND, Ohio – Add another local taste treat to the Paramount's Kings Island menu. Graeter’s ice cream joins Larosa’s pizza, Skyline Chili and Montgomery Inn barbecue this season as the latest Queen City favorite to be served at the park. “We are very excited about this partnership with Paramount's Kings Island,” said Richard Graeter, executive vice president of Graeter’s Ice Cream. “It is two regional icons coming together. Not only does this new store mark our theme park debut, but our first new store in a decade and the unveiling of our new store interior in the Cincinnati area.”

Set to open with the park April 9, the brand new, 1,700 square foot Graeter’s ice cream store is the first ever located inside an amusement park. The new interior design being adopted by the company mirrors its newly refreshed brand identity designed to create an emotional connection with the consumer. Using a color palette of cream and burgundy, the new store interior includes the new fountain, signage, pictures chronicling the family business’ 135 year history and a mural featuring children enjoying ice cream. Located inside the park entrance on the right side of International Street, Graeter’s is an eat-in dining experience. The menu features 25 ice cream flavors including Graeter’s most popular ice cream flavor, black raspberry chip, and the new year-round flavors Buckeye Blitz, cookie dough chip and cookies and cream.

“Ice cream and amusement parks are a natural fit,” said David Zellner, executive chef of Paramount's Kings Island. “In an effort to offer the best food experience possible, we are thrilled to showcase everyone’s favorite ice cream at everyone’s favorite amusement park.”

Graeter’s is a Cincinnati brand icon, with national prestige, that has become synonymous with indulgent taste experiences since 1870. Known nationally for its famous French Pot ice cream, Graeter’s is one of the oldest continuously family-owned ice cream makers in the country. The founder’s grandchildren and great grandsons still faithfully use the finest quality ingredients, trusted recipes and original methods of production in the Cincinnati manufacturing facility. In addition to ice cream, Graeter’s product offering includes an extensive line of candy and bakery products sold throughout 12 stores in Cincinnati and 24 regional franchise stores in Columbus, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, Louisville and Lexington. To learn more about Graeter’s, go to www.graeters.com.

Paramount's Kings Island opens for weekend operation Saturday, April 9. Daily operation begins Friday, May 20. 2005 Season Passes are now on sale and are available by calling (800) 952-PASS [7277], online at www.pki.com, and at the park on select days and times. Discounted park tickets are also available when purchased in advance by calling (513) 754-5700, (800) 288-0808, online at www.pki.com and at Blockbuster locations.