There are businesses in New Jersey that become iconic because the product is superb.

Other establishments succeed because their customer base is loyal.

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And then every once and a while a business has both of these qualities.

One of the very first Carvel stores in New Jersey opened in Pt. Pleasant Beach in 1955.

By 1976, Bob Hoffman transitioned from Carvel to Hoffman's Ice Cream. The rest was history.

photo courtesy of Hoffman's Ice Cream
photo courtesy of Hoffman's Ice Cream
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Hoffman's quickly became the place to grab a cone at the Jersey Shore.

Hoffman's popularity exploded so much that Bob and his staff opened a second location in Spring Lake in 1986.

Long Branch and Little Silver Hoffman's locations would soon follow.

Pt. Pleasant Beach residents were saddened to see this on the Hoffman's Ice Cream sign as they drove past the classic creamery on Richmond Avenue.

photo courtesy of Hoffman's employee Sara
photo courtesy of Hoffman's employees Sara and Olivia
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Robert Hoffman, founder of Hoffman's ice cream passed away on November 6. He was 90.

According to Mr. Hoffman's obituary on app.com, he was born in Long Branch and grew up in West Allenhurst.

He and his wife of 69 years, Anne, met at Asbury Park High School.

Bob proudly served our country in the Navy for four years. When he was discharged, he and Mrs. Hoffman moved to Pt. Pleasant Beach to open the Carvel Store.

Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
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Bob was a big believer in community. He gave back to others not only through the business but as an individual as well.

Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
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Bob volunteered on the Point Pleasant First Aid Squad for many years. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church for an amazing sixty-four years.

Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
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Ice cream was certainly an interest of Mr. Hoffman, but he was also a lover of nature.

Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
Hoffman's Ice Cream via Facebook
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Thank you, Mr. Hoffman, for so many tasty memories on summer nights after spending the day at Jenkinson's.

My Dad would often come home from work and surprise my brother and me with signature Hoffman's ice cream sundaes.

Most importantly, thank you for being an example to business owners everywhere on how to be part of the fabric of the community. You led by example and integrity and put smiles on people's faces than you ever realized. RIP.

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