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Food Review: Ampersand delights with unique flavors

Food Review: Ampersand delights with unique flavors
[/media-credit] Two Ampersand locations offer delicious ice cream varieties. West Fresno off Herndon and Marks, and in the Tower area off Echo across from Fresno High.

Ampersand Ice Cream was founded in 2015 as a local Fresno ice cream shop by Amelia Bennet. Growing in popularity amongst locals, their sweet treats are in high demand. Greeted with a friendly hello and smile you see even behind a mask, makes visiting this store worth your while. 

After the engaging first impression, the unique varieties of flavors intrigue the tastebuds. Grizzly Jack, Honey Rose pistachio, Vanilla Lavender, Coconut Dream Boat, Madagascar Vanilla, and many other enticing flavors.

Employees engage in conversation taking interest in clients as they serve the ice cream. Each scoop is carefully formed in its creamy texture and strategically placed for a quality presentation. 

This visit, I ordered the popular Whiskey Caramel Swirl and Honeycomb.  Honeycomb offered a great, creamy texture that you enjoy as it melts in your mouth. Every few bites present you with a honey toffee crunch that balances out the flavor. 

Whiskey caramel swirl was a creamy, icy texture and lived up to its name. You can taste each flavor individually.  The caramel aspect of this flavor reminded me of Werther’s chewy caramel squares. Each bite welcomes you with a buttery, smooth feel and explosions of flavor. The whiskey aftertaste hits your tastebuds to finish the experience. 

Alyse Pugh, assistant manager at the Northwest location, has worked at Ampersand for two years. Working her way up from shift server manager has allowed her to sample an abundance of flavors. Pugh’s personal favorite is the honeycomb as well as salted coffee. 

[/media-credit] Ampersand branded products along with delicious ice cream toppings and special honey are sold within the store.

Along with the great service and ice cream, Ampersand also provides a wide variety of quality merchandise. Shelves of stickers, socks, t-shirts, mugs, cups, and honey are nicely displayed against the walls.

The storefront is taking COVID precautions seriously as every table is sanitized, equipment is clean and the overall feel is a safe sanitary environment. 

I would highly recommend Ampersand for your next sweet treat. Especially as temperatures in Fresno continue to rise. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a friendly vibe and the ice cream will not disappoint. See my official star ratings below. 

Want to visit? Ampersand has two Fresno locations, 1940 N. Echo Ave, Fresno 93704 and 7010 N. Marks Ave, Fresno 93711. Both locations offer in-store pick up and delivery services. 

For more food reviews, read Mad Duck provides exceptional food, casual dining and Heirloom excites with farm-driven concept, disappoints with flavor.

For more photos, go to the media page.

About the Contributor
Aubrey Graham
Aubrey Graham, Photo Editor
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