Stopping at the Ice Cream Shoppe

(Blog author staring at empty storefront with closed sign in door)

"Last serving, to go; Brigham’s only Boston shop closing after 37 years" by David Abel, Globe Staff | November 11, 2009

.... After 37 years, multiple owners, and countless scoops of ice cream served, the last Brigham’s franchise store in Boston is closing this week. The local chain, once as ubiquitous as Dunkin’ Donuts, had more than 100 restaurants and seemed to serve its signature sundaes on every other city corner....

The end came abruptly for Rita Merola, 50, a junior member of the wait staff who served the same fare of hot dogs and oversized frappes for 17 years, and the rest of the staff at the downtown restaurant on High Street. The four waitresses, two cooks, two counter staff, and one dishwasher learned they would be losing their jobs last week, when the restaurant received an eviction notice.

Staffers said the chain’s new owner, Deal Metrics, a private equity firm in Baltimore, has failed to pay months of rent. The landlord, Lincoln Property, did not respond to requests for comment. The jarring news of the closing came four months after the company cut their health insurance, even though it continued to deduct money for the insurance from their paychecks....

Isn't that STEALING?!!!!

In a telephone interview, Luke Cooper, managing director of Deal Metrics, declined to comment on the outstanding rent, the lack of health insurance, or what led to the restaurant’s closing....

Many on the loyal staff wept, wondering what to do after working there for so many years....

Why do I feel a "but" coming on?

Despite the glum air....

I stand corrected.

How do like the INSULT of a CHERRY on top of your ICE CREAM?

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