Estero’s Ice Cream Boom

By D. K. Christi

 

Valentine’s Day is all about love. And what better way to show love than sharing ice cream? Two new Estero ice cream parlors offer gourmet, small-batch ice cream treats made in Southwest Florida.

Together, Paradise Scoops and Royal Scoop offer more than 80 decadent flavors. That’s more than enough to try a new flavor each week of the year for date night — starting with Royal Scoop’s Valentine’s Day special: Cupid’s Love Potion (vanilla bean ice cream with raspberry swirl and chocolate brownie bites).

 

Look for the purple umbrellas at Paradise Scoops

With more than 30 flavors, Paradise Scoops offers plenty of love to go around.

“Paradise Scoops ice cream is from Yoder’s well-known creamery in Sarasota,” said Michael Kettleman, Paradise Scoops owner. “The quality of the ice cream keeps customers returning. Two customers from Marco Island said they’ll be back monthly, finding it worth the drive.”

Bright, welcoming purple umbrellas for outdoor seating and a noticeable sign at 10020 Coconut Road (off Imperial Parkway) help identify Paradise Scoops within The Brooks Town Center strip mall. Inside the store, a “selfie wall” catches the attention with a colorful mural, complementing the shop’s colorful ice cream choices.

Kettleman and his family vacationed in Southwest Florida for many years before taking the leap three years ago to permanently relocate when his daughter went to college in Virginia. His experiences as an entrepreneur left him with the desire to open a business in Estero that was fun for him, the employees and the customers. 

Paradise Scoops is a happy place. Several employees are FGCU students, and they emulate Kettleman’s friendly demeanor. According to Kettleman, treating people right is the only way to do business.

“This is the right time to open a quality ice cream parlor in the Estero community,” Kettleman said. “I look forward to the positive growth in the area.”

His shop currently concentrates on ice cream but will expand menu selections as business grows, he added.

Valentine’s Day customers may take advantage of a “buy one, get one free” special. Throughout the year, Paradise Scoops offers a loyalty punch card for sweet treat rewards.

“Come in and say hello and taste as many of our flavors as you wish,” said Kettleman.

Creative varieties include cinnamon streusel, cheesecake, and butterscotch explosion. Or try multiple flavors with the ice cream flight for $10 – four scoops of ice cream in a banana boat with toppings of choice. Flavors for those with dietary restrictions are also available.

Paradise Scoops is open Monday through Saturday, 1–9 p.m. and Sunday 2–7 p.m.  Plans include expanding to mornings and offering Acai fruit bowls in the future.

“We welcome our neighbors and those from afar to enjoy our friendly atmosphere and the exceptional ice cream in our mom-and-pop, takeout-style ice cream parlor,” Kettleman said. “Sit inside or under our purple umbrellas.”

Discover more at Paradisescoopsicecream.com.

 

Royal Scoop opens Estero location

Along with Cupid’s Love Potion, the new Royal Scoop ice cream parlor in Estero serves over 50 different flavors. The store opened at 10151 Estero Town Commons Place, Unit 204 (near Lowe’s) in September. Owners Robb and Tricia Winiecki wanted a business that makes them smile every day.

Royal Scoop ice cream is familiar, a long-time and popular small batch ice cream offering in Bonita Springs and Naples. Open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Royal Scoop in Estero serves the Royal Scoop ice cream and freshly made waffle cones with permission to use the brand name, but the Estero business operates independently. Royal Scoop’s ice cream flavor creativity is illustrated by offerings like salted caramel crunch, toasted coconut, and Sponge Bob — yellow vanilla ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookie dough. Traditional and inventive flavored ice cream can be customized with toppings and mix-ins.

Robb and Tricia bring business ownership backgrounds in the hospitality and health industries. They followed their passion for ice cream, a business that fits well in the community. Estero has been their home for over 20 years. Two of their children graduated from Estero High School and enrolled at FGCU.

“It seems like I know someone wherever I go,” said Tricia. “I’ve known most of the kids who work in the store since they were young.” That includes her own daughter. 

As members of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, they enjoy connecting with community friends and associates.

Royal Scoop seats about 24 people, so small parties and events work well. It’s a family oriented atmosphere where one little girl enjoying her ice cream declared, “I want to come back tomorrow!”

For birthdays, a special treat includes a rubber ducky and a crown to wear. The large royal chair in the shop is a favorite for photos. Purchases of T-shirts and hats come with the benefit of a 15% discount to the wearer.

Tricia applied her creative talents to the store’s ice-cream centric decor. “We designed the buildout to maximize the space and appreciated input from family and friends,” she added.

Ice cream selections take special food restrictions into account with dairy-free, gluten- free, egg-free, and no sugar added offerings, including the tasty chocolate peanut butter flavor. Everything is marked on the menu.

“Royal Scoop in Estero is found on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok,” said Tricia. “Watch for festive flavors of the month and additional flavor surprises.”

While Valentine’s Day inspires special treats at Royal Scoop and Paradise Scoops, Estero’s newest ice cream shops offer 365 days of homemade delights, welcoming every generation for whom “ice cream” brings a sense of nostalgia and a smile.