Linda Baughman and Rico Lewis knew they were destined to own a small business together. They just didn't know what kind and where it might be.
So when Lewis told her that the converted gas station in
Old Town was up for lease, she knew they had found their little half-acre.
By the end of May, Baughman and Lewis will open an old-fashion ice cream shop in the repurposed historic gas station at 127 W. Grand River. Scoops in Old Town will feature 10 to 15 flavors of hand-packed ice cream—more than likely from the
MSU Dairy Store. Baughman will also serve up hot dogs, chicken wraps and soft drinks.
"It's perfect for ice cream," says Baughman of the building that used to house Artie's Filling Station. "It's updated and cute and nostalgic. We love the look of it."
Scoops will serve walk-up customers and provide outdoor seating for 24 people on metal chairs and tables, shaded by teal, orange and green umbrellas. As spring gets underway, she hopes to landscape with flowers, bushes and ornamental hedges. Occasional musicians, face-painters, balloon twisters, and clowns may also be on the premises providing family-oriented entertainment. And being in Old Town, she says, provides countless opportunities to tie-in with festivals and seasonal activities.
"We'd like to be a destination both for families and individuals," says Baughman. "Someplace that's entertaining."
Scoops will focus on the business of ice cream for the summer, and is outlining a game plan for the cooler months. The business will create four jobs in addition to Baughman and Lewis.
Source: Linda Baughman, Co-owner, Scoops in Old Town
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Capital Gains Development News? Email Ann Kammerer here.
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