Restaurant Review: BR Frozen Custard

Mary Ann Kauchak/For the News & Messenger
Published: August 6, 2008

Nine scoops of frozen custard, nine assorted toppings, three bananas, three cherries and whipped cream in a giant bowl—for free? Only IF you can eat this "OutrageouSplit" in 30 minutes or less.

Otherwise you'll pay $14.95 for this treat at BR Frozen Custard & Sweets in Lake Ridge.

To date, 150 customers have tried to consume this six-pound sundae and only four have succeeded. Two of the four were professional, "competitive eaters."

Fond memories of a local frozen custard stand, called "The Meadows," which they frequented as college students in western Pennsylvania, inspired Barb and Rory Frank to open this family business. It took several years of planning, but they made their dream come true in April 2006.

Rory makes the fudge and brittle; Barb makes the chocolates. Nine varieties of brittle include flavors like spicy peanut, sunflower, sesame and cashew. Chocolates are available in milk, white or dark, and also, sugar-free.

Canine lovers may purchase carob-coated dog biscuits for their special pet.

Before Barb and Rory Frank opened their "sweet shop," they sold fudge and brittle at the Dale City Farmer's Market. Their customers often asked where their store was located.

Encouraged and industrious, Barb, working as a legal secretary 40 hours a week, and Rory, a weekend auto parts salesman, discovered their current location; opportunity knocked and BR (Barb and Rory) Frozen Custard & Sweets was established. Their 13-year-old son, Kayleb, as-sists his parents at the shop.

Rory said the Virginia Department of Agriculture regulates the composition of frozen custard. Unlike soft serve and other ice cream products, custard must have a minimum of 1.4 percent egg yolk and 10 percent cream.

As I sampled the cool chocolate custard with its rich, velvety texture, these components were quite evident. The Franks pride themselves on creating 90 flavors and switch at least one flavor every day. Chocolate and vanilla custard are fixed on the daily menu of four choices.

Flavors such as apricot mango, honeydew, birthday cake, tiramisu, cappuccino chocolate chunk, cashew caramel, almond joy, yellow cake batter and chocolate peanut butter brownie rotate every three months.

Kiddie-size scoops, kiddie cones and cups—even waffle cones, kiddie-size shakes and malts—are all available. Look for different discounted "special" items each week. One week may be a homemade brownie delight sundae, another it may be a root beer float.

This family business is proud to serve the community. It sponsors "spirit nights," in which the hosting school or organization receives a percentage of every sale during set hours, and also offer customized baskets for any occasion and deliver in the Woodbridge area.

BR will ship anywhere, weather permitting. They have even shipped to Iraq.

When visiting the store, be sure and inquire about the numerous toy giraffes on display. It's a family secret they are willing to share.

Mary Ann lives in Lake Ridge. Her third cookbook, "SHORTCUTS, TOO," is now available at Salt & Pepper Books in Occoquan.

WANT TO GO?

» BR FROZEN CUSTARD & SWEETS, 4125 Merchant Plaza, Woodbridge (located in the lower level—by Five Guys and Siam Bistro—of Glen Shopping Center, on Prince William Parkway and Old Bridge Road

Call: 703-590-2122

HOURS

Monday through Thursday: noon to 9 p.m.

Friday through Saturday: noon to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday: 2 to 9 p.m.