Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory Liquor License

So much for that bourbon chocolate chip float. Community Board 2 voted unanimously last week to oppose a liquor license for the popular ice cream shop at the Fulton Ferry Landing — but the owner of the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory says he’ll keep up his fight for the right to party a la mode.

Mark Thompson, one of the shop’s co-owners, told The Brooklyn Paper that he doesn’t envision a raging watering hole — he only wants to do catering between April and December.

“It’s not really a bar — I’m obviously not looking to hurt my ice cream business,” Thompson said. “I just want to have the capability if I wanted to pull it out.”

But in its 7–0 rejection last week, members of Community Board 2 expressed concern about how little space there is on the pier and whether it’s a smart idea to serve liquor and ice cream given the “two disparate age groups” consuming the divergent products.

The State Liquor Authority is responsible for making the final decision; a no-vote at the community board doesn’t mean the state will reject the application.

The ice cream spot opened seven years ago in the landmarked Fireboat House on the pier at the end of Water Street, and business has expanded drastically over the years. But Thompson said he’s watched as other organizations host parties on the pier, and he wants a piece of the action.

A new lease will allow him to put up a tent on the pier in the warmer months, but to draw a good crowd, he covets the liquor license.

“It upsets me because here I have all these people on the pier looking for something to do, and I can’t give them anything else,” Thompson said. “I just want to make the pier a positive experience instead of standing there and looking at the view.”

Many tourists on the pier this week said they would welcome an opportunity to enjoy a cold one on a hot day.

“It would be nice to sit out here with a little bar, and have some jazz playing,” said Anne Dawbnay, who is from Australia.

Or, there is always the opportunity for cross marketing.

“They could serve brandy-flavored ice cream!” suggested Merlyn Evans, a British tourist.

 

By Sarah Portlock — with Makeda Dash
 The Brooklyn Paper

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