Souderton Connects recently celebrated Downtown Scoop’s fifth anniversary. Owners Kevin and Angie Hange and their son Caleb have been running the local ice cream parlor since 2018.
Caleb worked at the store for the original owners, Gregg and Tiffany Guerreiro, who opened it in 2015. He approached his parents and recommended they buy the operation. Kevin and Angie’s original reaction was a flat “No.”
However, after meeting the owners, they looked at the store as more than an ice cream parlor. They viewed it as, “a gathering place for members of our community to come together and create special memories.”
Downtown Scoop, near the corner of West Chestnut and Main streets, has been the anchor location for 3rd Friday Souderton events since they began in 2016. Outside the parlor, located at 11 W. Chestnut St., is where bands, tables, chairs, and food trucks set up and where people meet for the proverbial “eat, drink and be merry” event.
In the lobby of the ice cream parlor, there is a long bench to sit and eat frozen treats and some standing room. Outside there are tables and chairs to sit and socialize. The store is situated next door to Souderton’s Chestnut Street parking lot and is a half a block from Main Street.
“When we started, we focused on providing the basics of ice cream service and learning the ins and outs of the business,” said Kevin Hange. “Trends we notice now are that our guests are really looking for a special experience, and unique product offerings. Our role now is consistently developing new sundaes, specials, and new dessert options to keep guests interested and excited about coming back to try something new.”
Downtown Scoop promotes the store as small batch, super premium, and locally sourced ice cream. It partners with Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream, made in Yardley. It also serves vegan hand-scooped ice cream. In addition to ice cream, it offers milkshakes, floats with local soda (A-Treat brand), sundaes and several special ice cream creations.
Still, the most popular item remains the single scoop.
The Hanges now also operate a mobile ice cream trailer, which they use for public and private events. They’ve done hundreds — including fundraisers, car shows, faith-based community events, weddings, and birthday celebrations. Downtown Scoop averages between six and 10 events per week during peak season, serving the Montgomery County area but with plans to expand in 2024.
“We are committed to growing, adding to our offerings, and offering the best service possible,” the Hanges said.
That — and popular demand — recently prompted Downtown Scoop to extend its season all the way to Dec. 22 this year. Normally it’d run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Downtown Scoop is on Facebook and online at downtownscoop.com.
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