Yarnell’s Ice Cream Closed today after 75 Years of Service

 SEARCY, ARK. (June 30, 2011) – Yarnell’s Ice Cream Company, a privately owned company in Searcy stopped production throughout Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi.   The word came today, after the Board of Directors voted Tuesday June 29, 2011 to end production indefinitely. Management told employees that they would be paid through every day worked but not beyond that.
“This has been an extremely tough year for the ice cream industry in general, and particularly to regional, independent manufacturers like ourselves,” said Christina Yarnell, chief executive officer of Yarnell’s. “We have examined many possible avenues to keep the company afloat – actively marketing the company to investors and strategic buyers– the majority of whom are undergoing the same financial distress we are. However, we’ve been unable to obtain additional financing from our lenders or locate a buyer,and have come to the difficult decision that the appropriate course of action is to shut
our doors.”

A small team will remain working for the company to finalize operations, with
completion expected by Aug. 27.
“Yarnell’s has been an Arkansas staple for more than 75 years, and it’s been a family business that started with my great-grandfather, Ray, and has involved four generations of the Yarnell family. Ceasing operations is heartbreaking because we have prided ourselves on keeping our roots in Arkansas, particularly Searcy.We are truly thankful for our amazing employees and the heart and soul that they have put into the past successes of this company. They are great people. And I can’t say enough about our customers and their loyalty to Yarnell’s. It’s been a pleasure creating the highest quality ice cream that they can be proud to serve to their families and
friends. I, personally, will miss hearing their wonderful feedback and encouraging comments.”