YORKTON – For nearly two decades, Scoops has been a Yorkton landmark, drawing locals and visitors alike with its creative ice cream flavours and welcoming atmosphere.
Owner Nicole Roy purchased the business with her parents in 2007. About 10 years ago, her partner Bruce joined the operation, and together they eventually took over ownership.
Since then, Scoops has become known for its growing selection of homemade ice cream flavours.
"We started making some of our own ice creams as an addition to everything else we do," Roy said. "It's just grown by leaps and bounds."
Scoops produces a variety of house-made flavours, including Box of Crayons, Sasquatch Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake, Mint Chip, Chocolate Covered Espresso Bean and Butter beer.
The shop also experiments with limited-run creations inspired by whatever catches their imagination. Past flavours have included Dill Pickle, Nerds and Holy Cannoli. One customer even requested garlic ice cream.
"That was not a hit," Roy laughed. "Not with me at all in the slightest."
While Scoops carries several Canadian-made ice cream brands, Roy says pistachio and almond remains one of the shop's most popular offerings.
The shop also offers dairy-free options, including sorbets and oat-based ice cream when supplies are available.
"We try to have something for everyone," Roy said.
The historic building that houses Scoops is more than 120 years old.
Originally connected to Yorkton's brick manufacturing industry, it later operated as a gas station before briefly becoming a fruit stand. The canopy over today's deck is a reminder of that era.
In recent years, old underground fuel tanks were removed from the property as part of ongoing environmental cleanup work.
"Shell has been very good to work with," Roy said. "They've been very responsive to any issues and problems we've had."
Travel often provides inspiration for new menu items.
Roy enjoys sampling ice cream and local treats wherever she goes, bringing ideas home for future flavours and beverages. One recent example is Scoops' iced café au lait, inspired by a drink she discovered during a trip to Portugal.
"I come up with ideas and Bruce figures out how we're going to make them here," she said.
Scoops typically opens in late March and serves customers through the end of September. During the busy season, Roy relies on a dedicated team of employees, many of whom return year after year.
"We try and keep it fun," she said. "It can get stressful when it's really busy, but we have a great staff."
When the season ends, Roy and her family take time to travel and support their son Stefan, a competitive ski cross athlete who is pursuing a spot on Canada's Junior National Team.
Customers can also follow the adventures of the shop's mascot, Baby Scoopy, on Scoops' social media channels as it travels with the family throughout the off-season.
The local business continues to be one of the city's most recognizable summer destinations with its creative flavours and friendly service.
"We love it," Roy said. "It's allowed us to support our family, and we're grateful for all the support we've received from the community."
