Which ice cream chain, known for “31 flavors,” was founded by two brothers-in-law in 1945?

Baskin-Robbins is the answer. The ice cream chain was founded in 1945 by brothers-in-law Irvine “Irv” Robbins and Burton “Burt” Baskin, with early roots in Southern California, including Glendale, California. The brand became known for 31 flavors, a simple promise built around offering a different ice cream flavor for every day of the month, along with scooped cones, sundaes, ice cream cakes, and the familiar pink spoon used for sampling.

Baskin-Robbins Begins in 1945

Baskin-Robbins began in 1945, during a period when neighborhood ice cream shops were becoming familiar stops for families, dates, and after-dinner treats. Its early Southern California setting helped shape the brand as a bright, accessible shop built around choice rather than a limited menu. The company’s identity was not based on one signature flavor. It was based on giving customers many flavors to look at, sample, and choose from.

Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin

Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin were brothers-in-law, and their names became the two halves of the Baskin-Robbins brand. Robbins had experience with ice cream through his family background, while Baskin became part of the business after serving in World War II. Their partnership gave the company a clear founder story and a name that sounded personal rather than corporate. That origin helped support the image of an ice cream shop built around friendly service and variety.

The 31 Flavors Idea

The 31 flavors concept became the brand’s strongest marketing idea. It suggested that a customer could try a different flavor every day of the month, which made Baskin-Robbins feel larger and more playful than a shop selling only vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The number was easy to remember, easy to advertise, and directly tied to the customer experience. It turned variety itself into the brand’s main promise.

A Chain Built on Variety

Baskin-Robbins stores became associated with flavor sampling, scooped ice cream, cones, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. The small pink spoon helped make sampling part of the visit, giving customers a way to try something before choosing. That detail supported the larger brand idea: Baskin-Robbins was not just selling ice cream, it was selling choice. The chain’s long-term recognition comes from the founders, the 1945 start, the flavor-variety strategy, and the memorable “31 flavors” identity.