Brielle Deneen Siler: Ample Hills

Chelsea, Manhattan (other locations throughout the city!

Imagine if, at age 8, you were given full license to open your own ice cream shop. This is exactly what Brooklyn-based Ample Hills feels like to us: a playground of flavors like “Ooey Gooey Butter Cake” or the Cap’n Crunch loaded “Breakfast Trash.” Late August, between families and end-of-night dates, we were able to chat with GM Brielle Sile between bites of “Beneath Les Estrallas.” Here’s the scoop ;)

How did you get into this industry?

First of all, I’m a foodie and I’ve always been a foodie. Second I’ve always been a people person since I could write my name. Ask anyone that knows me and they’ll say the same. After college I got my first food industry job at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and I fell in love! Being able to give my opinions on what went well together and just getting to know my customers on a personal level kicked off the young lady you see today.

What is your current role and how has the pandemic affected you?

I am the General Manager at the Ample Hills Creamery Chelsea Location. The pandemic actually took me for a loop. I had just moved into my first apartment by myself which was great! Then my company filed for bankruptcy; then boom, my store was closing because of Covid and I was honestly scared for a little while. So many questions ran through my head like how was I going to pay my rent? How was I going to survive on my own? How was I going to take care of my health? But look at me now back to work with a full team and interviewing with you guys!

What do you think working in this industry during this time has taught you?

It’s taught me:‍1. Anything can happen so be prepared for the worse!2. Have an emergency cash stash that's not in a bank!3. Your health and your family's health is more important than a pay check.4. Take every loss with a smile because no matter how bad it is, it can always be worse.

What's your fave item on this menu? off menu?

On this menu, hands down, our summer flavor called 'Summer of Love'. It’s a sweet cream base with Baked by Melissa Rainbow cupcakes mixed in! Off menu, it would have to be a caramel bacon flavor called 'I Want to Marry This.' The name speaks for itself.

Once it is completely safe to eat out again and socialize, where is the first place you would go for dinner and what would you order?

I would go to La Negra café have the beef tartare with a blue cheese olive martini.