Restaurantgoers screaming for Brigham's ice cream at the Northshore and Liberty Tree malls will go away empty-handed.
The two eateries, beloved New England institutions, were closed as of Tuesday, a spokeswoman for both malls, which are owned by Simon Properties, confirmed.
Maryland-based private equity firm Deal Metrics LLC closed the doors to dozens of the novelty food restaurants in recent weeks, including the two North Shore locations.
The company's managing director, Luke T. Cooper, could not be reached for comment. Deal Metrics was expected to file for bankruptcy this week, although the firm had not done so as of yesterday.
On the upside, ice cream lovers can still pick up gallons of the brand's frozen treat at the supermarket.
The HP Hood Company of Lynnfield produces Brigham's Ice Cream sold in stores, and the ice cream will continue to be available, company spokeswoman Lynn Bohan said.
"Consumers can rest assured that we're committed to the ongoing production of Brigham's ice cream to the same exacting standards that they've come to love," she said in a press release.
Deal Metrics was founded in December 2007 and purchased its 28 Brigham's retail restaurants in June 2008, according to the company's Web site.
Information from The Associated Press was used for this article.
