Peter Mackauf, owner of both Ben and Jerry’s in Seaport Village, is living out every child’s fantasy of owning not one, but two, ice cream shops. More than 20 years ago, Mackauf was invited by his best friend, Larry Krasnow, to partner with him in the Ben and Jerry’s business just as the franchise was getting started. The duo opened a number of community stores from 1988 to 1991, including the two at their harbor front location in Seaport Village. “Seaport Village is a perfect place for an ice cream shop,” he said. “All the visitors are out to have a fun time, and what can be a better time than strolling the village or boardwalk while licking the finest ice cream taking in America’s finest city’s delights?” The shops feature new holiday flavors including spiced chocolate and pumpkin pie as well as some unique takes on pop culture, such as Schweddy Balls — a fair-trade vanilla flavor with fudge-covered malt balls and a hint of rum named after a Saturday Night Live skit with Alec Baldwin. The noteworthy smell that wafts in the air and entices guests to follow their noses into the shops is the sweet smell of the ice cream’s handmade containers. “One of our best complementary products is our handmade fresh-baked waffle cones which we bake all day,” he said. “They come in vanilla as well as an assortment of original dipped chocolate designs.” Ben and Jerry’s is dedicated to fair-trade practices, community and volunteer outreach efforts and staff benefits. “Our business philosophy is shared prosperity,” Mackauf said. Each spring, Ben and Jerry’s puts on their famous promotion — “free cone day” — to benefit local nonprofits. “This past year, we served over 14,000 free cones and partnered with National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR) to raise awareness of autism and donations for research,” he said. “Other organizations we have partnered with over the years include Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, Canine Companions, Becky’s House and Mama’s Kitchen.” Both locations in Seaport Village will be celebrating their 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. with a 20-scoop team “Vermonster” sundae eating competition with 20 percent of the proceeds to benefit NFAR.
