Baskin-Robbins coming to the Twin Cities

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International ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins has announced that it is now looking for franchisees in Minneapolis and St. Paul , the first wave of more than 70 stores it plans to open in the region.

Ice cream aficionados may greet this news with mixed emotions. On the one hand--hey, ice cream! On the other, the idea of a corporate chain muscling in on beloved local ice cream joints like Grand Ole Creamery, Izzy's, and Sebastian Joe's (or even locally based chain Dairy Queen) may not sit too well.

One thing is clear, though. Along with the recent announcement that Dunkin' Donuts will also be blanketing Minnesota with stores (the two brands are part of the same corporation), that should pretty much kill any chance of us remaining one of the healthiest areas of the country.