Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

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Kamloops’ ice cream scene growing ahead of summer season

May 7, 2021 | 5:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed many of the summer staples Kamloops would normally enjoy, but the local ice cream scene has stood its ground — and even flourished.

With two new ice cream shops opening their doors this spring, there are now three spots around the city to get frozen treats. Today (May 7) CFJC crews got a firsthand look at what has gotten these businesses such immediate success.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

The city’s north shore has been abuzz this week with the addition of Ice Cream Social along the Tranquille Road shopping strip. Owners Scott Bergman and Jaycee Elsby hope to complement the corridor’s revitalization with a classic ice cream parlour feel.

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“It’s been super supportive,” notes Bergman. Elsby adds that plenty of customers have voiced how glad they are to have a North Shore option. “A lot of the neighbourhood — even just people from Batchelor Heights and Westsyde. They’re just very happy that they have some options on the North Shore, and we’re just so happy to be here as well.”

With an official grand opening planned for the May long weekend, the pair say the first few days of operations has been even busier than they expected.

“We’ve had a lot of repeat customers, people who come back almost every day and it’s been awesome,” notes Elsby, “We’re kind of building relationships that way.”

FROZEN PADDLE

This week, another storefront has opened its doors along Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops. Frozen Paddle uses regionally sourced ingredients to make their ice cream in house.

Owners Kevin Pederson and Lisa Bajkov say the menuboard has some staples flavours on it, but they have plenty of ideas for fresh tastes.

“We’re almost sold out of Mini Egg. Salted caramel has been a big hit, as well as the haskap,” notes Bajkov, “Not a lot of people are familiar with the haskap berry. So we actually source our haskaps from a berry farm in Smithers. We’re hoping to expand into Salmon Arm and in the future build a relationship with the Salmon Arm berry farm and get our haskaps from there.”

Frozen Paddle originated in Prince George, and this spring expanded to open a second location in Kamloops. Pederson says they plan to operate year-round, with a variety of rotating flavours on the menu.

“We’ll also introduce a winter pints subscription, and that’s where the really unique flavours come through in to-go pints of 500-millilitre sizes. We’ll have those probably in the next month or two as well in store.”

SCOOPZ ICE CREAM

And over by Riverside Park, Scoopz Ice Cream has returned for another season. The shop and its owner Adrianne Erlandson have been faithfully scooping every summer for more than two decades.

“It was my first real job when I was 16 and just handing out my resume. And then I just kept coming back every year, and then eventually purchased the business when the owner was ready to sell.”

On a hot, busy, pre-pandemic Canada Day, Scoopz would serve upward of 2,000 cones in one day. This year will be similar to last with smaller groups lining up, but Erlandson says park-goers are as eager as ever.

“I feel like the winter was very long and very isolated so it’s been so great to see my staff, even, and our customers,” notes Erlandson, “Their loyalty is just great, so I’m just really thrilled.”

Residents have been coming out in droves to get a taste, with all three of the independently owned stores offering made-in-BC products, and plenty of options for dietary restrictions. No matter what the weather is, or what side of the river you’re on, there’s no shortage of treats to try this summer.