Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream Shop Shutters in Brookline

An ice cream shop chain that got its start in Brookline in the 1970s has closed down its last shop in the town. Emack & Bolio’s first opened in Coolidge Corner in 1975 and eventually expanded to open locations in several states and throughout Asia. Its location at 1663 Beacon St. in Brookline now sports a “for lease” sign, per a tip Eater received. While no one at Emack & Bolio’s has been available for comment, other would-be customers have also confirmed the closure, as reported by Boston Restaurant Talk.

The company was founded by Bob Rook, a music lawyer who wanted to provide a place for people to get snacks after other venues closed around the Boston area. Specifically, Emack & Bolio’s became a place for musicians to go after gigs, eat ice cream, and play music, according to the history on the shop’s website.

Emack & Bolio’s is especially recognizable thanks to its over-the-top ice cream cones, which are coated with a variety of cereals, candies, and nuts. The chain also makes sodas, fudge, smoothies, and ice cream “pizzas.”

Though the Brookline shop has closed down, there are several other Emack & Bolio’s locations around Boston, Cambridge, and on the Cape, in addition to locations in New York, Florida, New Jersey, Illinois, and abroad.

Official Site

Update, November 2, 2017: The lease ran out at the end of October 2017, and founder Robert Rook blames the increased rent for his decision not to renew, according to the Boston Business Journal. The 15-year-old, 700-square-foot location was run by two or three employees, and they were offered jobs elsewhere in the company.

• Emack & Bolio’s [Official Site]
• Emack & Bolio's in Brookline Has Closed [BRT]