Long Beach’s latest ice cream parlor, Tipsy Scoop — taking a twist on boozy desserts — debuted its newest location on Friday.
After entrepreneur and CEO Melissa Tavss founded the liquor-infused ice cream brand in 2013, she opened the first storefront in Kips Bay. The company has since then expanded to Brooklyn and various vendors in Melville and Atlantic Beach. Tipsy Scoop’s Instagram-worthy cocktails, boozy ice cream sandwiches, and nationwide shipments have gained widespread attention in the last few years, with many of the brand’s videos going viral on social media.
“Following in the ice cream tradition, I began to experiment with putting a modern boozy twist on ice cream. I wanted to combine the best of both worlds and infuse traditional ice cream flavors with different liquors,” said Tavss, whose family’s rich history in the creamery business dates back five generations.
On the Long Beach shop’s opening day, the first 50 people in line received $1 boozy scoops. Customers over the age of 21 can choose from flavors with or without alcohol like Vanilla Bean Bourbon and Cake Batter Vodka Martini or take their ice cream cocktails to go.
Tavss applied for an off-street variance to open Tipsy Scoop in the City of Long Beach, and some council members were concerned with the easy access of alcoholic products for minors.
This issue of underage drinking was also addressed by city council members at a hearing earlier this month.
“We have an above-average contingent of underage drinking, which is a problem and it’s something we’re trying to address,” said Long Beach City Council candidate Roy Lester in an interview with news12.
The ice cream shop owner has assured, however, that only customers with valid IDs will be allowed to purchase liquor products, all employees are of age, and that all products — containing up to 5 percent alcohol — include warning labels.
“I’m in the flagship [Manhattan] store all the time so I’ve actually had some customers who recognize me,” said General Manager of Tipsy Scoop, Jessica Eve, at the Long Beach debut. “It’s really awesome to have such a great experience with the customers and even have an opportunity to be opening in Long Beach because it’s such a great community.”
The brand is looking to host more pop-ups in Manhattan, Boston, and the Bahamas this year.
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