Tom Fink
Sept. 7, 2009 — Ice cream lovers double scooped their pleasure in Claremore Thursday, with the official opening of the new Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store.
Claremore Chamber of Commerce members turned out en masse to welcome the new business at 1770 South Lynn Riggs (SH 66), and commemorate the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We’re very glad to see this new store opening,” said Brent Shallenburger, Claremore mayor. “Braum’s has long been a good partner with the city and we’re thrilled to welcome a second one into the Claremore community.”
The south Claremore Braum’s boasts nearly 5,000 square feet, with a store exterior designed in red modular brick, featuring a brick tower and open frame canopies.
The interior has stained concrete floors and a dining room that accommodates approximately 74 guests.
Additionally, the new store has a Fresh Market, wider aisles, double checkout counters, automatic doors, a drive-through window, and employees up to 50 full-time and part-time employees.
While the Braum’s at 700 N. Lynn Riggs will remain in operation with the opening of Braum’s South, Braum’s public relations representative, Andie Schwab said plans already are in underway to replace next year with another new, even larger store.
“In the spring of 2010, we’re planning to build another (Braum’s) in the Claremore at 900 North Lynn Riggs, just north of the old store,” Schwab said. “This new Braum’s will be even larger than the south Claremore store, and should be opening sometime in the spring of 2010.”
The future “north” Braum’s will be a “W” model, compared to the “X” model of the “south” Braum’s — only the fourth “X” model design in the company.
“The ‘W’ model is Braum’s largest, with 5,756 square feet and seating for up to 86 guests,” Schwab said. “The store itself has a stacked stone exterior, stone-faced tower and composition gabled roof.”
Also, the ‘W’ model interior has open beamed ceilings and stained concrete floors, Schwab said.
“Both (store) designs have a completely new look,” she said. “We’ve excited the folks in Claremore will soon be able to enjoy both models at one time.
“Claremore is such a great town, and has always been so supportive of Braum’s throughout the years,” Schwab said.
Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the new Braum’s, employees served guests complimentary ice cream treats to commemorate the event.
