Allston Herrell's to rock on as indy Allston Cafe

Kaz — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:58:58 -0400

The Globe covered the change-over as the Allston Herrell's at Brighton and Harvard Ave leaves the parent company to become an independent creamery.

It seems the Herrell's contract was going to squeeze down on the location's individuality and independent attitude that made it interesting:

Along the way, the managers had skirmishes with the corporate side, such as when it put the kibosh on the logo, which also featured a double entendre. “That was way too much for us,’’ Judith Herrell recalled.

And the music was an issue. ’’The lighter music you can still talk over - that gives you a lighter feeling, that reminds you of your childhood, that is better,’’ Judith Herrell said.

Some of the music in the Allston store has racy lyrics, she said. “I’m not a prude, but they make me blush.’’

In order to establish a branding that Herrell's will be able to expand outside of the state, they wanted to replace the punk rock novelty with teddy bears and funhouse mirrors for the kids. That didn't sit well for married owners Page Masse and Derek Brown. Nor did it work for the original owner Marc Cooper who still makes ice cream in Watertown for the Allston store and holds some of the store's licenses.

Personally, I like their spirit and think the area will benefit with having the attitude remain the same even if it loses the Herrell's name. I actually have never been into Herrell's, but now I might just go check out Allston Cafe.

Creamery

Allston Herrell's to rock on as indy Allston Cafe