Happy 10-Month Anniversary to The Inside Scoop!

In honor of our friends at The Inside Scoop and the celebration of their 10-month anniversary in Bedford, we've decided to rerun this small business Q&A we conducted with owner Hillary Rankins this past February. The Scoop plans to celebrate its one-year anniversary in grand style on July 2. We'll have all the details on the event. For now, enjoy getting to know Hillary and her flourishing business a bit better:

When Gloria Jean's Coffee shop closed a little more than a year ago, many Bedford residents questioned what would be next to fill the historic building at 260 Wallace Road.

Not many people likely guessed an ice cream shop would soon occupy the location, yet that's exactly what Hillary Rankins brought to town when she opened on July 2.

Though the name is certainly indicative of the sweet treats Rankins and company specialize in, the Inside Scoop offers much more than ice cream.

In addition to coffee, tea, muffins, bagels, brownies and its ever popular wraps, the Inside Scoop recently added crepes to the menu as well.

Bedford Patch recently pinned down Rankins for the following question and answer session:

What made you decide to open an ice cream shop in Bedford?

Bedford is such a great little community and an ice cream shop was definitely something that was missing in the town. I spent three years searching for the perfect spot in Bedford to open up the Inside Scoop and feel that it was worth the wait to end up where it did. I am hoping that my love for the town of Bedford and ice cream reflects on The Inside Scoop.  

How long did it take to get your vision up and running?

It took three years for the idea of The Inside Scoop to unfold. My initial idea was to just create a walk-up window and something seasonal, but when I found out that the location was available, I decided to expand and create a year-round menu. Once the location was determined, the whole idea itself took off very quickly. My family and I spent many long days and nights getting everything perfect for the opening in July. 

What made you choose the location?

Each time I would visit family members in Bedford, I would drive by the old Gloria Jean's and notice how perfect it would be for an ice cream shoppe. I envisioned many families enjoying their ice creams on the hill out front and gathering together after sporting events. I had my eye on it for awhile, but never imagined that it would become available as quickly as it did.

Has the experience been everything you dreamed?

It has been everything and more. I am so lucky to have such an amazing support system from my family and friends. I am thankful for a great staff, and wonderful community who support me and the Scoop. 

Has business dropped off in the fall and winter?

I am amazed at how many people in this area still continue to eat ice cream during the winter months. I am lucky to have a dedicated customer base who visit us each and every morning for their morning cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich. The lunch crowd has expanded as well, and the after-school ice cream eaters continue to pile in. I am thankful for the great weather that we have had this winter, but am looking forward to summer time when families can enjoy their ice cream cones and sundaes with us on the hill!

What's your most popular ice cream flavor?

Definitely the frozen yogurts that we have. The purple cow (black raspberry with white chocolate and chocolate chips), mint patty, and coffee toffee continue to be our best sellers. 

What's your most popular non-ice cream food item? Drink?

The wraps and breakfast sandwiches that we have have really taken off. The buffalo chicken wrap, pesto chicken, and turkey club are very popular, especially when it's paired with our freshly brewed unsweetened iced tea or fresh squeezed lemonade.

What made you decide to try crepes? How have they been selling?

I decided to introduce crepes to the menu because they are unique and very delicious. I wanted to add another sweet treat to the menu and nothing says sweet treat like a strawberries and cream crepe covered in powdered sugar.

Planning on introducing any new and exciting items in the near future?

There will be many different ice cream flavors coming to the menu as spring approaches, along with more wrap creations and yummy coffee drinks.