Scoop Deck in Wells, ME
If you haven't visited The Scoop Deck in Wells, Maine, you're in for a real treat. This isn’t just any ice cream shop—it’s a story of family, dedication, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
In the early 1980s, Suzanne Erskine Fretwell dreamed of creating a seasonal ice cream business at her family's summer home in Wells. After much planning and hard work, she opened The Scoop Deck in July 1983. Suzanne managed and operated the shop through Labor Day, returning for another full season in 1984. Due to family commitments and her other career, she passed the torch to her brother, Doug Erskine.
Doug’s first season in 1985 ended on Columbus Day with three employees, many new customers, and double the sales volume. Each summer brought new challenges, learning experiences, and long hours. The team of "super scoopers" grew to 20, serving more and more ice cream enthusiasts.
In 2006, Doug's son Scott returned to help run the business. Having worked at the shop during his high school and college years, The management team expanded again in 2012 to include Scott's wife, Emily. The 2013 season began with a large expansion, including more parking and an addition to the barn, increasing the customer service area by over 60%. After more than 30 fast-paced years and with improved facilities, Doug transitioned the business to Scott and Emily in January 2014. At this same time, Doug’s niece Marina worked as a scooper, moving into a management role and most recently has joined Scott and Emily as a partner. This family trio is a perfect balance of kindness, caring, creativity, and innovation. They are committed to maintaining the legacy of the family business while continuing to create a fun and welcoming environment for their customers and staff.
It does seem this trio's destiny was written in the stars: Scott thought his summer job at 15 was just that, but he ended up with a boss who became his dad and later bought the business decades later. Emily came in for a vanilla frappe and left with a husband, and Marina was born with a sweet tooth and was held by the ice cream guy at birth. She has countless memories growing up at The Scoop Deck and fondly remembers helping make the waffle cones as a child.
This year the Scoop Deck is celebrating their 42nd season—that's correct, 1983 was year one, and 2024 marks 42 seasons of scoopin' up fun! With a fantastic crew of 40+ employees, the joy and laughter are contagious—even on the hottest summer days. It’s clear that working at The Scoop Deck is more than just a job; it's being part of a family.
FAMOUS FOR:
75 flavors of ice cream
Generous portion sizes
Homemade Waffle cones
ADDRESS:
6 Eldridge Road in Wells, Maine
HOURS:
Open 7 days: 11a-10p
WEBSITE:
scoopdeck.com
