NORTH RIVER, N.S. — Summer is coming early in more than 30 flavours at the new Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar.
Opened Saturday in North River, the reborn parlour enjoyed a steady stream of customers coming to sample ice cream and coffee, having been opened by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester.
“We opened it up as a social enterprise in order to employ the youth in the community and also funnel any revenues back into Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, to support children and youth in our communities,” said executive director Nick Sharpe.
He also wanted the parlour, designed with a light and airy interior, to be a place where adult customers could relive fond memories of childhood outings with loved ones.
Meantime, parents can share the memories of such outings with their own children.
The Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar employs eight staff between the ages of 15 and 19, who will learn business skills such as customer service, teamwork, operating a cash register, workplace leadership and greater responsibilities including financial management and fundraising.
Sharpe said such job skills will be useful not only for youth entering the workplace, but will also help people wishing to build their own business down the line.
One staff member was Collin Crowley, who was learning fast on his first day of work.
“What I’ve learned in the last six hours is that having co-workers makes a big difference and working as a team is the most important part,” said Crowley on Saturday afternoon. “I’ve also learned how to scoop a great scoop of ice cream.”
While Crowley had past experience working in stores, he was typically the only employee working out front and appreciated the support he received from his Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar colleagues.
The crew served a steady stream of customers coming in to buy ice cream and Aroma Maya coffee products on their first day in business. Their ice cream flavours included everything from the standard vanilla and strawberry to more exotic mint and chocolate brownie varieties.
One of their youngest customers was Carter Langille, who was too busy eating to talk.
“Is it yummy?” asked his mother Connie Smith. “Their coffee is good too.”
Either way, the Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar was an ideal treat stop for mother and child, on their way back home from Truro to Tatamagouche.
The Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar will remain open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until September.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester has offered mentorship and training to local children and youths since 1978.
