Here’s the scoop on Scoops business

Scoops owner Joanie Earl hands a cone heaped with lemon Oreo cookie ice cream to customer Lauren Smoot.

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

Scoops Ice Cream is one of the newest additions to the downtown Greencastle revitalization nestled in the retail revival area along South Indiana.

A Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted earlier this week at Scoops, 13 S. Indiana St. (directly behind Starbucks).

Building owner Lee Tenzer has combined properties formerly housing Dick’s Barber Shop and Shonkwiler/Elmore Jewelers, longtime downtown business staples, in doing a complete renovation and build-out.

Joanie Earl and husband Bill use the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce ceremonial scissors to conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new Scoops ice cream shop, 13 S. Indiana St. Participating in the ceremony are (front, from left) Susan Lorimer, Andrew O’Hair, Jamie Cashion of the neighboring Green Room, the Earls, Jinsie Bingham and Beth Flint. In back (from left) are Mayor Bill Dory, Chamber Executive Director Brian Cox, Laurie Hardwick. Tonya Sanders, Jackie and Jay Hopkins of Moore’s Bar, Nancy Mark, Lauren Smoot of Cricket’s and Alyssa Atwell.

Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

All local contractors and vendors were utilized in preparing the 800-square-foot store for Scoops’ occupancy.

New tenant and business owner Joanie Earl recently retired from the Greencastle Community School Corporation after more than 25 years of service, mostly at Jones Elementary and Deer Meadow Primary schools. She is still serving kids, but now kids of all ages.

With the help of her three sisters and other family members, the building shell was transformed into the new ice cream shop. The name “Scoops” comes from the family’s favorite ice cream establishment near Venice, Fla.

Scoops features hand-dipped homemade ice cream with 20 varieties on display and new flavors introduced weekly. Homemade waffle cones, sundaes and toppings, shakes and malts and flavored fountain drinks with crushed ice are on the menu. There’s even a “Dusty Road” as a reminder of the Fleenor’s Drugstore soda fountain days across the street.

Graham Central Station is the best-selling ice cream to date at Scoops. Also offered is sugar-free ice cream upon request.

The ice cream supplier is a family business established in 1995 which has won multiple awards for “Indy’s Best Ice Cream.” The two brothers have more than 30 years of experience in the industry and have mastered classic recipes while constantly innovating new flavors.

Business at Scoops has been steady since its opening. First Fridays and DePauw Alumni Weekend have been well attended. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-9 p.m. Sunday with extended hours during special events.