Belfonte: A Case Study

Founded by Sal Belfonte, Belfonte was started up in 1969. It was first known as Belfonte Dairy Distribution Inc. Sal had first started as a milkman who would deliver the milk door to door. The business was mainly run by the family, which included the wife and kids. His wife did most of the secretary work and the kids helped out with some of the labor. Belfonte wasn’t brought into Kansas City until December of 1985. It was the very first dairy product producer to be owned by Kansas City that was local. (Belfonte History 2016)
Belfonte also had a partnership with the Royals, for many years. Wes Engram, the Sr. Director- Corporate partnerships, is the one responsible for getting the Royals and Belfonte together. He once said, “Belfonte and the Royals are both Kansas City traditions, and now fans visiting the Kauffman stadium will have the opportunity to enjoy the best hometown ice cream.” On March 6, 2014, Belfonte was added to the Kauffman stadium. Along with setting up an ice cream shop, they added carts all around the stadium for people to go to for the games. Another person who was happy about the ice cream shop being added said, “Belfonte Ice Cream is proud to be part of such a strong Kansas City tradition.” (David Belfonte 2014) (Belfonte What’s New 2014)
Two big ways Belfonte has taken part in helping with the community is their SCOOPS Program and their dream factory.
The SCOOPS program stands for, “ serving children our one priority.” They use this program to donate ice cream to schools, including private, public, and parochial. The SCOOPS program can be used as a fundraiser or just for students and teachers to enjoy. If this program is used, they will provide supplies to help out with the fundraiser. To get the SCOOPS program to go to a school, there is a form on Belfonte’s website that can be filled out and sent to them. They will then review over the information and give the school a call to check
in.
The other way Belfonte has helped out the community is their dream factory. This program is to help out kids that are chronically ill. They grant wishes for children that are chronically ill. They have had the Dream Factory around since 2000. Also to help out, Belfonte donates the money they get from selling gallons of ice cream.
Belfonte helped out the community with their SCOOPS program and their “dream factory” while being one of the greater Kansas City traditions. Belfonte Ice cream has not only been to Kansas City, but it also spreads to Wichita and Tulsa. They can be found in over 600 restaurants, hospitals, schools, etc. They have also been found in over 550 supermarkets and convenience stores. They have been around for over 30 years and they still remain a big tradition. Visit them at the next Royal’s game at the Kauffman stadium. (Belfonte 2016)