W&S Open’s Fans from 50 states and 30 countries will enjoy the famous treat that is lauded by Oprah and shipped to ice cream aficionados around the world
Quick-read highlights in this release (full release below)
- Graeter’s will be served in two custom parlors to nearly 200,000 fans
- Last year the event sold 25,555 ice cream units; 2014 sales expectations higher
- Graeter’s will launch a custom flavor to be sold in stores and at the event
CINCINNATI (June 3, 2014) – The Western & Southern Open introduced today Graeter’s Ice Cream as the Official Ice Cream of the annual professional tennis tournament that draws nearly 200,000 fans from all 50 states and 30 countries to Cincinnati each summer.
Graeter’s will operate two full-service ice cream parlors at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, serving up a custom menu that will include their classic French Pot ice cream, as well as the new gelato and other confections. Graeter’s will also be served inside the Players Dining room.
Last year, the aforementioned two ice cream parlors sold 25,555 scoops, bars and shakes over the 9-day period of the event. Event officials expect higher sales in 2014.
“The off-court food, drink and entertainment options have become a strong attraction of the event,” said Tournament Director and COO Vince Cicero. “Graeter’s Ice Cream is a world-class product that pairs well with the world-class talent on the courts.”
The two storied iconic Cincinnati institutions have a combined heritage of 260 years. The W&S Open is the nation’s oldest professional tennis tournament still played in its city of origin, having first been competed in 1899 at the Avondale Athletic Club, or present-day site of Xavier University. Graeter’s was first established by Bavarian immigrants in 1870 and has grown in Cincinnati and the country ever since.
As part of the partnership, Graeter’s also becomes the title sponsor of Kids Day, the popular children’s event that occurs on the first Saturday of the tournament, which is August 9th in 2014. Kids Day is historically the highest attended session each year.
“We were so excited to partner with the tournament as the official ice cream of the Open,” said Chip Graeter, fourth-generation owner of Graeter’s. “Two family-oriented, summertime staples in Ohio have come together at last!”
Graeter’s will also be unveiling a brand new flavor designed specifically for the W&S Open that will be served both at the tournament and in their 31 family-owned stores. The announcement is expected in early August.