When you think of Ben & Jerry’s, you probably imagine whimsical flavors and cheeky pints. But for Antonio McBroom, ice cream has always been more than dessert—it’s been a gateway to legacy, empowerment, and radical equity. As the youngest multi-unit franchise owner in Ben & Jerry’s history, Antonio has redefined what it means to build a business with soul.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Antonio for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, ownership, and the responsibility of turning success into a shared resource. What unfolded was a rich dialogue on culture, capitalism, and making purpose the bottom line.
Bentley Didier: Antonio, you started your journey with Ben & Jerry’s as a part-time scooper. How did you go from that to owning multiple locations?
Antonio McBroom: It started in college at UNC-Chapel Hill. I needed a job and scooping ice cream seemed like a fun way to pay the bills. But it became so much more. I saw how this brand was committed to social justice and community. I began thinking, What if I could turn this into something bigger? With mentorship, a lot of hustle, and a clear vision, I bought my first store right after graduation—and never looked back.
Bentley: That’s incredible. What motivated you to expand beyond ice cream into real estate and wellness?
Antonio: Ownership. Period. Once I realized the power of owning a business, I knew I had to multiply that across industries. Real estate gives us roots. Wellness gives us longevity. And entrepreneurship gives us freedom. I want to build spaces—literal and figurative—where Black and brown folks thrive. It’s about creating access, not just for me, but for everyone coming up behind me.
Bentley: You’ve been praised for using your businesses as platforms for equity. How do you stay grounded in your mission?
Antonio: I always ask myself: Is this helping someone? We use our scoop shops to employ underserved youth, support local nonprofits, and create a pipeline for Black franchise owners. Impact is baked into the business model. This isn’t just about making money. It’s about making moves that matter.
Bentley: A lot of young entrepreneurs look up to you. What advice would you give someone trying to build with both purpose and profit?
Antonio: Don’t wait for permission. Dream big, start small, and build from where you are. Get a mentor. Learn the business side—down to the numbers. And stay authentic. The world is hungry for realness. If your brand reflects your truth, people will connect with it.
Bentley: How do you define luxury?
Antonio: Luxury is freedom. Freedom to be who you are, to create without limits, to walk into a room and know you belong. It’s also being able to give back and bring others with you. That’s the ultimate flex.
Bentley: What’s next for Antonio McBroom?
Antonio: More ownership. More innovation. I’m looking at new ventures in hospitality and expanding our wellness footprint. But I’m also focused on mentoring the next wave of Black CEOs. I want my story to be a blueprint, not an exception.
Bentley: Final words to our readers?
Antonio: Don’t just chase success. Chase significance. Build something that lasts, and something that lifts others while you’re at it.
In an era where conscious capitalism is more than a buzzword, Antonio McBroom is living proof that business can be bold, brilliant, and deeply human. His journey reminds us that impact and income are not opposites—they’re partners in purpose.
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