Founded in 1989 by Bruce Reed in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, Bruster's grew out of his father's legacy: Jerry Reed's popular drive‑in and Jerry's Curb Service, which was first opened in 1947. After launching an ice cream shop beside his dad’s restaurant under the Handel’s name, Bruce rebranded it as Bruster’s in 1990. The brand began franchising in 1993 and now boasts nearly 200 locations across the U.S. and into Guyana - all emphasizing daily in‑store, handmade ice cream and house‑baked waffle cones.
Bruster's first in San Diego is taking over the former Starbucks space near Grossmont Center in La mesa. According to the company’s website, the location will offer outdoor seating and will be staffed by certified ice-cream makers committed to providing top-tier service and quality.
Ice cream lovers can expect a rotating selection of over 24 flavors made fresh daily from a menu of 150+ signature recipes - including classics like Butter Pecan and Birthday Cake, plus seasonal specials. In addition to scoops, Bruster’s will offer ice cream pies, cakes, sundaes, shakes, blends, Italian ice, and non-dairy oat‑milk options. Everything is crafted on-site, including their baked waffle cones and bowls, to ensure peak freshness.
Though the grand opening date hasn’t been announced, local updates and community buzz indicate a debut is expected later this year. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce welcomed Bruster’s as a new member in early July 2025, confirming the Fletcher Parkway location and signaling near-term construction progress. Meanwhile, social media from the shop confirms it’s "the first Bruster’s Real Ice Cream location to San Diego!".
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is expected to open later this year at 8497 Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa. For more information, visit brusters.com.
Originally published on July 24, 2025.
