Annie Bananie opens to beat heat and recession

Ann McAndrew and Dave Fairty, co-owners of Backcountry Outfitters, have been facing the same challenges as many other retailers in this troubled economy.

“Our inventory isn’t really selling well, partially because of the economy and also because some of our manufacturers are now selling directly to the consumer,� McAndrew said. “We needed to do something. We wanted to sell something that is wallet friendly and something you could not sell on the Internet.�

That something turned out to be ice cream. So, after a few modifications to the store, including the installation of an ice cream parlor, stools and a freezer, Annie Bananie Ice Cream Shoppe was born.

McAndrew said the store has all the offerings a good ice cream parlor ought to have including 14 flavors of ice cream, several flavors of sorbet and fixings for several types of sundaes.

“Right out of the gate, Cookie Monster is the most popular flavor,� McAndrew said. “It’s a combination of vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip cookies, all colored blue. We also have chocolate mint tornado sundaes and many other flavors, which change every week and we’re open to suggestions. We get our ice cream from SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington.�

But why the name, “Annie Bananie�?

“Because that’s what my dad called me when I was growing up,� she said. “When we were talking about names, that popped into my head. It’s a good omen because my dad always taught us to work hard, be independent and have a good time. Annie Bananie is all about having a good time.�

The store also serves espresso, cappuccino and Harney and Sons teas. There are plans to expand the menu in the near future.

Annie Bananie is at 5 Bridge St., in the same building as Backcountry Outfitters. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. The hours will expand after Memorial Day. For more information, call 860-927-3377.