On November 18, 1999 in Dallas, Texas a group of ice cream shop owners had a meeting. If it hadn't been a modern hotel meeting room, you might think that you were sitting in with a gathering of patriots representing the thirteen colonies to plan the American Revolution. Impassioned speakers described dreams of freedom while debating the merits of unity and diversity, in response to the actions announced by their franchisor one month prior regarding the future of store development and support in certain parts of the country.