Big Gay Ice Cream, a New York City-based soft-serve chain, experienced a rise and success that capitalized on their queer identity as a brand strategy. However, the company has faced financial troubles, leading to debt and legal action. Founder Doug Quint recently filed a lawsuit against partner Jon Chapski, accusing him of mismanagement and fraudulent receipt of government loans during the pandemic. The company, which once operated seven shops in the Northeast and had products in supermarkets nationwide, now has just one location.
The origins of Big Gay Ice Cream can be traced back to 2009 when their ice cream truck made its debut at the Brooklyn Pride parade. Riding the wave of popular culture that celebrated queer identities, the company gained mainstream attention and became a symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement. With whimsical branding and unique flavors, Big Gay Ice Cream quickly became a favorite among both locals and tourists.
However, the pandemic brought significant challenges to the company, leading to unpaid debts, evictions, and an uncertain future. Founder Doug Quint now works in a pharmacy in Maine, while co-founder Bryan Petroff works in human resources for a New York restaurant chain. Both Quint and Petroff hope to revive the company without the involvement of Jon Chapski, whom they accuse of financial mismanagement and misconduct.
In his lawsuit, Quint claims damages of at least $4 million, citing breach of contract, fiduciary irresponsibility, and willful misconduct by Chapski. Despite Petroff’s decision not to join the lawsuit, he offers his full support to Quint. Chapski is accused of failing to pay landlords, vendors, and the IRS, concealing crucial information from Quint and Petroff, and collecting government loans while the stores remained closed and employees went unpaid.
The one remaining Big Gay Ice Cream store, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is currently operated by Jeremy Wladis. However, Wladis expresses unease about the arrangement, claiming that Chapski assured him that Quint and Petroff were no longer involved in the company. Quint and Petroff believe that Chapski has blocked their access to company communication channels.
Big Gay Ice Cream started as a summer job venture, with Quint and Petroff transforming an old van into an ice cream truck. The company quickly gained attention by challenging traditional notions of flavor, creativity, and humor in the food industry. While they faced criticism from some within the LGBTQ+ community who believed the brand trivialized their struggles, others praised Big Gay Ice Cream for creating a safe and inclusive space in the food industry.
The company’s expansion relied heavily on financial management provided by Chapski’s consulting company, Edible Assets. A partnership agreement in 2016 gave Quint and Petroff 35% ownership each, with the remaining 30% held by Edible Assets. However, after becoming a partner, Chapski pushed for rapid growth that the company couldn’t sustain, ultimately leading to chaos, conflict, and financial problems.
Big Gay Ice Cream’s story is not unique in the food industry, as other successful companies like Ample Hills have faced similar challenges and bankruptcy. Despite their setbacks, the brand gained recognition and success, ultimately securing a place in supermarket freezers across the country.
For Quint, seeing Big Gay Ice Cream pints in his rural hometown market was a powerful moment that brought him to tears. It symbolized a journey from a miserable gay teenager who left his small town and found success in New York City. Despite the current challenges, Quint remains hopeful and determined to revive the company’s success.
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