For nearly 20 years, a summer day on the North Fork was not complete without a stop at Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe on Main Street in Cutchogue. When Scoops hung out its “Closed” sign for the last time in 2014, it did so with a promise to reopen the next year at a new location about a half mile east on Main Road.
It’s taken a little longer than originally planned, but the popular ice cream spot is back — and it promises to be better than ever.
Owner Lisa Kaytis of Southold has been hard at work renovating a house next door to Braun Seafood and if all goes well she will hold a soft opening at the end of this week.
Scoops & Grinds Bakehouse & Espresso Bar will serve 24 flavors of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, fruit smoothies, Acai bowls, coffee and simple baked goods.
“I’m starting off very simply; I don’t want to overwhelm myself or get in over my head at the beginning,” said Kaytis.
Kaytis will stay open year-round and will start her new venture by attracting the early morning crowd with espresso, cappuccino, lattes and sweets. As summer approaches she will stay open later for the after-dinner crowd.
The baking and coffee sides of the business are something new for Kaytis, but she is confident in her abilities.
“It’s my passion,” she says about baking. “I’m self-taught and I think I’m pretty good at it. I just love it.”
The shop is bright and welcoming, simply decorated with seafoam green walls and nautical accents. There will be picnic tables and Adirondack chairs set up outside in the nice weather and the entry way has a brand new handicap ramp.
“I’m so happy to be opening,” said Kaytis. “I miss the customers, the locals. I grew up here, I have so many friends around here. This has always been my passion, customer service. This is what I love. The kids, the seniors — all of it. I’m very excited about moving forward and I’m extremely grateful to all the people who have supported me on this journey.”
Scoops & Grinds Bakehouse & Espresso Bar is located at 31000 Main Road, Cutchogue. For information or to inquire about employment, call 631 278-0889.
