Things just got a little sweeter for one local ice cream man.

Mark Mallen, owner of the Boulder-based Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato company, recently signed a deal with Shanghai-based Barony Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which plans to franchise the local scoop shop throughout China.

Barony, a developer of more than 20 business and resort hotels in China, plans to open seven locations within one year, Mallen said. Barony is the "master franchisee" and could choose to open stores in places such as China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, he said.

In the fall, Mallen will travel to Shanghai to help set up the first store, which is expected to open early next year.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/may ...