Not Your Typical Ice Cream Shop: New Sundae Store Opening In NJ

RED BANK, NJ — Kim Barcenilla has always loved making ice cream sundaes with her family.

A lifelong Monmouth County resident, Barcenilla has worked in advertising for over 20 years, with experience in the pharmaceutical advertising industry and running different companies within that field.

Subscribe

As time went on, however, Barcenilla strayed further from advertising in search of something that aligned closer with her own dreams and passions.

“After I had my two kids, it came to a point where I felt like what I was doing was not matched with my passion,” Barcenilla told Patch. “It wasn’t matching where I wanted to be in terms of supporting my children and what was fun for us.”

Following this realization, Barcenilla began looking through different business models, which led her to an even greater discovery: Scoop N Scootery.

Founded in Boston, this beloved ice cream sundae chain currently has locations throughout Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Virginia, and, most recently, New Jersey.

Known for crafting decadent, fully loaded ice cream sundaes, the chain’s Red Bank shop marks its first Garden State location and is set to host a grand opening event on Saturday for all to come and enjoy.

Once Barcenilla came across the sundae chain, she described the match as “serendipitous.”

“It’s my children and I’s favorite pastime,” she said. “At night, we would always enjoy making different sundaes, so when [Scoop N Scootery] came into my path, I just felt like ‘oh my gosh. This is very serendipitous. This couldn’t be any more perfectly meant for our family.’”

From there, Barcenilla traveled to Boston to meet with Scoop N Scootery founder Austin Crittenden, who helped her learn more about the business model and passion behind it.

Soon enough, she was making plans to help the chain open its newest storefront in Red Bank.

“It just felt like ‘this is absolutely the right business,” she said. “Not only for my family, but to bring to our community here in Monmouth County.”

Located on East Front Street, Scoop N Scootery offers a variety of ice cream sundaes, toppings and more in a vibrant late-night atmosphere.

Where customers might just order a scoop of their favorite ice cream at another shop, Barcenilla said what sets them apart is that Scoop N Scootery is “not your typical ice cream shop."

"It's more than just ice cream," she said. "It's an experience."

“It’s not going to be your typical ice cream experience where you’re just choosing a flavor,” she continued. “This is all about over-the-top, customizable sundaes. We have custom creations. We have signature sundaes, sundaes that are delicious in every way.”

“We have a little something for everyone, no matter what your sweet tooth is.”

In addition to their various menu options, Barcenilla said Scoop N Scootery also offers delivery for those who may want a sweet treat but don’t have time for a full outing to the shop.

Between the store’s late-night hours (staying open as late as midnight Tuesday through Saturday) and delivery options, she said Scoop N Scootery is able to appeal to “a wide variety of customers.”

“There’s families like mine, but also young kids in high school and college,” Barcenilla said. “[The shop] is kind of that fun spot they get to go and taste something different and fun.”

On Saturday, customers will be able to do just that, with a few extra perks for Scoop N Scootery’s grand opening celebration.

Set to kick off at 3 p.m., the festivities will include music, interactive photo opportunities and special giveaways throughout the day, including free ice cream for a year to one grand prize winner and free ice cream for a month to five other lucky winners.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for opening day here.

While the shop will host its official grand opening this weekend, it also got to experience a soft opening earlier this week, during which Barcenilla said she was “blown away” by the support of the local community.

“So many amazing people have come in and have been nothing but supportive,” she said. “When I tell you how many people have come in, grabbed my hand and said, ‘I wish you the best.’ Looked me in the eye and said, ‘Good luck.’ I mean, it just really touched me.”

Going forward, Barcenilla said she’s looking forward to making the shop somewhere that everyone can come in and feel excited to try something new.

Though, if anyone needs tips on where to start with their order, Barcenilla recommends trying the Cream & Sugar – a sundae that includes coffee oreo ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff, fudge, oreo and toffee bits.

“At the end of the day, I’m really trying to make this a place where everyone can come in, feel happy, excited and just have a wonderful experience,” Barcenilla said. “You’ll see even with just the decor, the vibe – it’s definitely something to help everyone feel a little bit of excitement at the end of their day.”

“I really just wanted to create something that’s meaningful,” she continued. “Not only for my family, something my kids can be proud of, but also for the community.”

To learn more about Scoop N Scootery, you can visit their website or Instagram.

Scoop N Scootery’s Red Bank shop is located at 21 East Front Street.