Scoops is one of the newest stores to open on Main Street in downtown Acworth. While it’s clear by the name that ice cream is the store’s main focus, owners Dave and Erin LaBelle say their new business reflects so much more than that.
The store’s opening on June 29 is the culmination of the LaBelles’ longtime search for a home and family-oriented business in one
of Georgia’s iconic small towns.
“Ever since we were married, we have been searching for the right opportunity to come along. Dave was a Green Beret in the Army, which allowed us to live in several different states,” Erin said. “We knew we wanted a business that helped promote a family-type atmosphere where we could include our three kids. We love owning a shop where, when people walk in, their eyes light up, and it puts a smile on their face.”
As the customers stop to take in the surroundings, they’re greeted by the smells of homemade cookies and waffle cones. The ice cream freezer is filled with 32 flavors of ice cream (with dairy-free options) and stacks of homemade waffle bowls and 10 kinds of cones. A wall of candy is covered with bins and shelves containing everything from giant gummy alligators and jelly beans to your favorite nostalgic candy and unique flavors of cotton candy.
Another case has trays of 20 different hand-dipped chocolates, including the popular buckeyes, and six kinds of homemade caramel apples, another customer favorite. Scoops’ two chocolatiers stay busy keeping the case filled and have plans for seasonal offerings that include hand-dipped strawberries available Valentine’s Day through Mother’s Day starting next year.
Other treats that satisfy the strongest sweet tooth include homemade cookies, banana splits, brownie sundaes and piña colada smoothies.
A full coffee bar, with freshly ground beans, offers espresso, lattes, iced coffee, chai tea and more. Erin said they use fresh espresso beans; in fact, they only use the best ingredients in all of their products: “We will be focusing on specialty coffees, gourmet hot cocoa and affogatos in the fall.”
Customers eager to finish their ice cream before heading home have options to sit inside or outside on the spacious back deck or in the rocking chairs facing Main Street. Erin said they love the energy and vibrancy that is embodied in the store. Many people comment that they are happy to see the store bring more young people to the downtown area.
Future plans include a focus on the catering aspect of the business and a mobile component that Dave said will allow them to promote community and business development with schools, businesses and various organizations.
Although the LaBelles were diligent in their search for the perfect small-town setting for their family and business, Erin said Acworth kind of found them.
“When we found out that Acworth had a building available on Main Street, of all places, and that, when polled, the community said they wanted ice cream, we got excited,” she said.
“The building, which is more than 100 years old, had so much charm and history, and Acworth’s small-town feel and great vibe made the decision feel just right. Words cannot describe how happy we are to be here, and we know that we have made the right choice with Acworth.”
Scoops
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