We (Chris and Melissa) bought Island Cool in 2018 and didn’t make many changes. We did paint and redecorate a bit as 2019 flipped over to 2020, but how we ran the business and why stayed consistent with the prior owner’s approach (Joe is a great guy…). Then of course, the pandemic struck and there were other things to focus on.
Now, as we’re settling into the new normal and Island Cool is back open in all our pre-pandemic glory (island toppings bar and all…), we’re going to refresh some things and rollout a few changes. Don’t worry, the froyo and toppings will continue to be fantastic. The changes will be more around clarifying and sharing why we bought and love owning Island Cool and incorporating those why’s into how we run the business and interact with the community.
When we sat down to talk about why we bought Island Cool and why we enjoy running the business, it was pretty simple. The themes of community, family, and fun, just came out. We love that Island Cool is a place where you all come for a treat. You bring the family, you bring your friends who come to visit, and you bring you dog for a doggie gelato. Everyone has fun. And the last part, that seemed like it should go first, is being part of the community.
Where we’re located, at Pleasant Beach Village in Lynnwood Center, is not walking distance from the ferry (obvs), and while we do get a ton of visitors in the summer, most of the year, our customers are from the island. We get to know our regulars. We look forward to the cross-country team’s annual run down to Island Cool and back (that’s got to be a rough second half with a belly full of froyo…). We post flyers for local events, support local sports, and serve as a drop location to collect gifts or coats around the holidays. We genuinely enjoy being part of the community and being a gathering place for families and friends to come have a treat and a bit of fun.
Community, Family, Fun
There you go. Not a major change. For now, just sharing. More to come!