After a dozen years in operation, Tremont Scoops shuttered its doors this past December. But the business and building were quickly scooped up by an entrepreneurial group of investors. This week, the Tremont ice cream shop (2362 Professor Ave., 216-781-0352) reopened to the public, with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for this Saturday.
New ownership kept the name and the equipment but updated everything else, explains Nikki Schiro, part of the six-partner team.
"It's a 100-year-old brick building," Schiro says. "We exposed the brick inside, painted the interior, and updated the branding and menus."
They also switched ice cream providers from a Michigan-based supplier to one in N. Royalton.
"We wanted to support local businesses like us," Schiro explains.
Together they crafted original recipes and flavors, including vegan and gluten-free options. There will be a regular selection of 24 ice cream and sorbet flavors, four of which will change seasonally. There is also a menu of sundaes, novelties and milkshakes.
"We bought the business first of all because everybody loves ice cream and it makes people happy," she adds. "But also because the store is on a walkable street in Tremont, where people walk in, get their ice cream and stroll the neighborhood. We really want this to be a neighborhood ice cream shop."
To facilitate mobility, the team reworked many of the classic treats to make them more portable. Items like chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick and a "vertical banana split" that's served in a tall cup make it easy to enjoy dessert on the go.
As for the unconventional six-person ownership team, Schiro says, "We all have full-time jobs; we work in law, banking, and software engineering. Each of us brings different strengths and experience to the business that has been very helpful. And I believe there is opportunity for growth down the line."
