Looking for a tasty treat with a real big impact? One that’s right in your own backyard? Look no further than ScoopAble, an adorable ice cream shop serving fresh and innovative flavors all while giving back to the community in big ways. This new local shop is on Branch Hill-Guinea Pike, and with their unmistakable logo and vintage ice-cream-parlor-feel, you’re absolutely bound to melt over their store-made ice cream, unique menu items, and charming and attentive staff.
So you want the scoop on ScoopAble? Amy Pennington, owner and founder of this shop, is happy to serve up the lowdown: “Our mission is to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to provide memories for the community … and bring everybody together.”
It was an idea inspired by Amy’s own kids—specifically her youngest, who has Down syndrome, and her oldest, who is autistic. Since they were little, she’s been aware that “there’s a need that isn’t being filled,” she shares. “They have skills that aren’t being utilized in the workforce.”
Amy saw untapped potential there, and decided to grab life by the cone and do something about it.
Not only is this creating exposure and opportunities for her employees, it also allows the community the introduction to people they might not typically encounter. “My employees are going to provide customer service and experiences that most people don’t get exposed to very often,” Amy explains. “It also gives people an opportunity to feel good about what they’re putting their money toward.”
Amy primarily employs people 17 or older, and most of the scoopers who are the face of ScoopAble have Down syndrome or autism.
Still not convinced to put your money where your mouth eats and give ScoopAble a try? They also give back to organizations within our community. “We give back to nonprofits, and the nonprofits we support are generally ones that our employees are involved with, or that are involved with disability employment.”
And it’s pretty simple—they do a “roundup” at the register, and every month the beneficiary changes to a different nonprofit. “The benefits for my employees, too, is they don’t have to worry about making change … it makes them more confident and independent,” Amy shares.
More to the point, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill ice cream—this stuff is handmade in-house, the perfect balance of creamy and sweet. “We offer 16 flavors that are displayed and available, but our signature is the banana pudding, which has been a fan favorite since we opened,” Amy smiles.
The shop also carries two non-dairy flavors for those who might prefer it. And scoops aren’t all they do in shop. Try a flight of the choices that are most interesting to you, or go for the wild and adventurous ice cream nachos—a scoop of ice cream with waffle cone chips and your-choice toppings to match. You can get your scoop in a cup or a cone, or enjoy an Oreo or Reese’s sundae. There’s no wrong way to enjoy ScoopAble’s assortment of flavors.
Amy worked as a state trooper in Clermont County for 15 years. “It’s been like my home,” she admits when asked “Why Loveland?” She’s a prime example of practicing what you preach. Not only did she open this amazing shop from the ground up, she also led the team that opened up GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. “I really got involved in the disability community there.”
Amy employs 12 employees (10 Scoopers) in total at ScoopAble, all with their own unique interests and preferences. Head to ScoopAble’s website and employee page to read up about each individual who works there, or check out this sneak peak of some of her employee’s faves …
Aaron and Elizabeth love cookies and cream. Augie loves peanut butter, and Grace likes chocolate chip. Iver’s favorite is chocolate, and Jacob prefers strawberry. Madilyn loves Reese’s ice cream, and Simon’s favorite is banana. And last but not least is Veronica, who’s favorite flavor is raspberry chip!
So when you’re longing for a cool, creamy sugar fix, choose a sweet treat with even sweeter rewards that’s giving back directly to your community. ScoopAble is guaranteed to leave you with a craving for more!
ScoopAble.net | 6405 Branch Hill Guinea Pike, Loveland | 513.283.2574
“Our mission is to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to provide memories for the community … and bring everybody together.”