Saco Scoop's new owner is a familiar and friendly face

 SACO – On Feb. 21 city leaders, business owners, community members, and lovers of ice cream gathered at 209 Main St. to celebrate the ribbon cutting of The Saco Scoop under the new ownership of Melissa Colley.

Four years ago Melissa, husband Jim, and daughters Sarah and Bella moved to Saco, immediately becoming engaged and active members of the community and finding their “home”. It is with that same enthusiasm, team approach, and sincerity the Colley family embraces their newest venture.

 

The Saco Scoop owner Melissa Colley, center, at a recent ribbon cutting. Standing at the right of the group is her husband Jim, and in front of him is their daughter Sarah. Standing to the left of Melissa is their daughter Bella. PHOTO BY JENNIFER DAY

Colley was first hired as manager of the ice cream shop in October of 2019 by Saco Main Street Board of Directors and then-Executive Director Rob Biggs. At that time, the ice cream shop was a project of the local non-profit economic development organization.

 After several years of “The Saco Scoop” serving as a community gathering hub, a place for workforce development, and a catalyst for forwarding Saco Main Street’s mission of economic development in the historic downtown, the downtown development group decided it had become clear the project had succeeded its goal and grown to surpass expectations.

 Former Saco Main Street Board Chairwoman Amelia Foster and the 2022 Board of Directors, recognizing the ice cream shop’s indisputable emergence as a thriving enterprise, determined it was time for the business to be sold to a dedicated owner.

 “Who better a buyer than the person who was already committed to keeping the shop running, training and scheduling employees, and ensuring the customers are happy,” she said.

When asked what she is most excited about as the new owner of the Scoop, Colley said, “The opportunity to remain in relationship with the individuals and families who have come through the door throughout the years, and to continue to be a guiding and caring adult in the lives of all of the Scoopers” an affectionate title for the predominantly high school employees past and present. 

 Having previous business experience as owner of “Bella Nova”, an online company that designed and manufactured clothing & shoes for children, Colley is not a stranger to ingenuity, marketing and meeting the needs of customers.

“I am excited to be bringing my own creativity, experience and skills into the mix,” she said. “I look forward to expanding offerings for both our local & seasonal visitors, as well as having some things to offer folks who stop in wanting something other than ice cream,” she said.

 

The Saco Scoop offers a wide selection of ice cream, coffee drinks and other treats. PHOTO BY JENNIFER DAY

An expanded menu board reflects some of the new offerings including fresh locally baked treats which can be paired with ice cream or a made-to-order espresso, latte or flavored coffee. To meet the demands of her younger customers, Colley has added flavored Red Bull drinks she calls the “Nor’easter” as a nod to both the region's coastal Maine weather and the neighboring University of New England Mascot, and will continue to offer their popular boba lemonades with an endless combination of flavors.

Looking around the freshly staged shop complete with new flooring and an eye-catching front counter enhanced by colorfully painted ice cream cones (courtesy of talented high school artists Eli Palleschi and Bella Colley) visitors will notice an expansion of Maine-themed merchandise including mugs, ballcaps, stickers and novelty socks, alongside sought out favorites like Thornton Academy gear and unique T-shirts.

What hasn’t changed is the warm welcome each person receives when coming through the door. For long time fans of the Scoop, Colley’s friendly face and kindness will remain at the center of their experience. To Colley, every returning customer is remembered by their favorite Shaker Pond Ice Cream flavor and a personal story.

“Everyone has a story and I want the Scoop to be a place where those stories are not only shared but appreciated,” she said.

As for first time visitors to the Scoop, Colley wants them to feel as though she and her staff have been waiting to meet them.

The Saco Scoop will continue to offer their shop space as a venue for birthday parties and other celebrations, and will pursue hosting a variety of live entertainment events. Additionally, Colley wants people to consider the Scoop their home away from home. A place to gather with friends, organize a game night, bring a study group or simply come by to make a new friend…and of course enjoy some ice cream. 

Jennifer Day can be reached at jennervingday@gmail.com