Syosset Doesn't Scream for Nixed Ice Cream

With all the hot weather we've been having in Syosset, getting put in the "deep freeze" may sound like a tempting idea. But for Baskin-Robbins, the deep freeze means a flavor has been deep-sixed–or retired.

Here's the scoop: The ice cream company, which has more than 6,000 retail shops– including one by the Syosset Long Island Rail Road station–just turned 65. Company officials say in honor of that milestone, they're retiring five flavors: French Vanilla, Caramel Praline Cheesecake, Campfire S'mores, Apple Pie a la Mode and Superfudge Truffle. Stores that still have those flavors can serve them until they run out–last licks for the general public.

A quick check of the flavors at the Syosset store did not reveal any of the retirees hanging around. Unlike fans on the Baskin-Robbins Facebook page www.facebook.com/BaskinRobbins who seemed very upset by the loss of French Vanilla, many local residents didn't seem to mind.

Jordan Shalov of Syosset says he goes to Baskin-Robbins once or twice a month, and usually gets Mint Chip. When asked if he'd tried any of the retiring five, he said he hadn't. He guessed that the five "must not be too popular." And he may be right.

Five other people Syosset Patch interviewed also hadn't tried any of them. Their favorite flavors included Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate and Vanilla (but not French Vanilla). A couple of people said they thought Apple Pie a la Mode, Superfudge Truffle and Campfire S'mores did sound good. Jaclyn Lopresti says she usually sticks with Cookies 'n Cream, but she wonders why Superfudge Truffle would have to retire.

A Baskin-Robbins statement says the company "has been known for fun ice cream flavors that are reflective of the times." It goes on to explain, "As ice cream lovers' tastes change, flavors are retired to make room for new creations."

Of the five retirees, French Vanilla is the oldest, debuting in 1945. Superfudge Truffle is the baby of the group, debuting in 2007. (It probably doesn't have much of a 401K to survive on, and clearly isn't eligible for Social Security.) They'll be joining other former flavors such as Lunar Cheesecake, which honored the Lunar Landing in 1969; Beatle Nut, for the Beatles, in 1964; and Candi-date–created in 1960 when John F. Kennedy was elected.

Lauren Carra, who's originally from Syosset but now lives in Miami, pointed out that since they're saying goodbye to so many flavors, "They should say hello to some new ones."

Indeed, that's the plan.