Have you ever passed by an Ample Hills Creamery and wondered if you could step inside? You are in luck! The beloved ice cream chain, which originated in Brooklyn and is renowned for its imaginative and narrative-driven flavors, is now operating under kosher certification. Several locations in New York have been confirmed by National Kosher Supervision (NKS) as kosher.
Brooklyn’s Ice Cream Legacy, Now Kosher Certified
Ample Hills has experienced a tumultuous journey over the years. Founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife duo Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna, they began with a pushcart before establishing their first scoop shop in Prospect Heights in 2011. Following rapid expansion, the company faced a bankruptcy, was sold, and was eventually repurchased by its original founders in 2023. Now, they are back and flourishing—along with a new kosher certification to boot!
The National Kosher Supervision, the organization responsible for the kosher certification of these locations, has confirmed their kosher status across the current footprint of Ample Hills in New York. NKS specifically highlights five approved locations: two in Brooklyn, one in Astoria, one on the Upper West Side, and one in the Industry City complex in Sunset Park.
What Awaits You Inside
As a dairy ice cream shop, Ample Hills does not offer pareve options—think of it as a haven for rich, creamy scoops crafted from scratch. The flavors are delightfully quirky and often evoke nostalgia. Some of their signature offerings include Chocolate Milk & Cookies, featuring a sweet cream base loaded with chocolate sandwich cookies (a highlight in their certification announcement), along with an array of other seasonal and rotating flavors. Each location has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, firmly rooted in the community.
The flagship shop in Prospect Heights is where it all began; it’s the heart and soul of the brand. Over in Astoria, the 30th Avenue location has been a cornerstone for the local kosher community. The Upper West Side shop on Amsterdam Avenue is perfectly situated in one of Manhattan’s most vibrant Jewish neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the Industry City venue, nestled in the Sunset Park waterfront complex, conveniently serves Boro Park and the surrounding Brooklyn communities.
Cholov Yisroel Considerations
The announcement from NKS does not clarify whether cholov yisroel supervision is in place. For customers who specifically require cholov yisroel, it’s advisable to check directly with NKS or the specific location prior to ordering. Currently, it appears that these products may not be cholov yisroel.
Locations with Certification
All five locations are supervised by Rabbi Mehlman of National Kosher Supervision (NKS):
- Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: 623 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238
- Washington Avenue, Brooklyn: 816 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238
- Astoria, Queens: 34-02 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
- Upper West Side, Manhattan: 526 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024
- Industry City, Brooklyn: 14 53rd Street, Suite 209S, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Hours vary by location, and kosher certification is provided by National Kosher Supervision (NKS). It is recommended to confirm hours and cholov yisroel status directly with each location.
Are you on the lookout for kosher restaurants and shops nearby? Download the KosherNearMe app at YeahThatsKosher.com/app.
