Nothing says winter like ice cream

Written by Joan Lownds
Friday, 27 January 2012 15:31

Generations of Wiltonians have worn a trail down from Middlebrook School, through Merwin Meadows to Scoops Ice Cream at 92 Old Ridgefield Road in town center. "The weather doesn't matter," said co-owner Kevin Wall of Wilton. "It's always a good day for ice cream."

As if on cue, a group of Middlebrook students trooped through the door on a late January day, hungry for some of the Bucks 100% natural ice cream and the wide assortment of candy that has been sold at Scoops for 30 years.

"We are more like stewards of a great institution in town," said Mr. Wall, who co-owns the ice cream shop with his wife, Meghan, and Aimee and Chris Farrell, also of Wilton. "It's a throwback and we want to keep it the same as it was for other families to enjoy."

The original owners — Care Heeks, Shelly Lawson and Susan Humphreys — hung up their red and white checked aprons in 2009, and Mr. Wall, a native Wiltonian who still lives in town, took over.

"It was always the place to go," said Mr. Wall, who is also vice president of Kreg Corporation Information Systems. "I distinctly remember walking to Scoops from Middlebrook School, through Merwin Meadows ... We want to keep it the same for other Wilton families to enjoy."

Along with the candy jars on the wall filled with Swedish fish, gummy bears, candy teeth and sour balls, and the ice cream, another Scoops tradition that continues is "employing high school students from town to work in the shop," said Mr. Wall.

When the employees depart, they leave comments and handprints on the bathroom wall, which is now filled with such permanent, parting gestures.

Not much has changed since Scoops opened its doors on Jan. 25, 1982, but the shop has made a few adaptations to changing times. "We have stayed true to the original owners' idea of offering top-shelf ice cream and a wide array of candy," he said. But customers are now allowed to pay for the sweets with a credit card, and tables and chairs have been set up outside for patrons.

Scoops also now offers "Candy Bar" parties, with "ice cream, delicious treats and gift bags" provided, according to Mr. Wall. To mark Scoops' 30th anniversary, a raffle was held on Wednesday, Jan. 25, for a "Golden Ticket" worth 30 single cones with one topping.

Scoops' premium French ice cream is made by Buck's in Milford, Mr. Wall said, and Scoops also sells sherbet, yogurt and birthday cakes.

"But we are an ice cream store and will always be one," he said.

Mr. Wall said July is actually the busiest month, and one of the most popular flavors is "Swamp," made with vanilla ice cream, crushed malt balls, chocolate chips and caramel.

What's his personal favorite?

"Black raspberry," he said.

Information: 203-834-1100.