Scoops on First — Restaurant in Fort Myers

Florida is hot as the gates of hell so I don't think you can wrong with opening an ice cream shop just about anywhere in this state. I was wandering around historic First Street in downtown Ft. Myers after dinner when I started craving a sweet treat. I happened to pass by Scoops and they were just what I was in the mood for.

Scoops was founded in 2015 by two friends, Paula Renaud and Lori Large, who were also looking for a sweet after dinner treat but at time there weren't any ice cream shops in the downtown area. They opened Scoops in a space that was a barbershop in the 1800's and the rest is sweet history. Funny enough, the ice cream is made in Boynton Beach near where I live. The company makes 300 flavors so they are able to rotate different ones in.

Scoops has freezer cases along one wall and some seating opposite it. There are 52 flavors of ice cream, plus hard packed yogurt and dairy free, 8 flavors of gelato, shakes, and smoothies. They had all of the usual flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and my favorite chocolate chip mint but the Caramel Caribou caught my eye. It is toffee ice cream with thick caramel weave and mini chocolate covered caramel cups. It was just like eating a candy bar in ice cream form.

I ordered my ice cream in a hand dipped chocolate and sprinkle waffle cone. The total for my decadent treat was a very reasonable $6. That's a bargain compared to some of the local places on the east coast. This shop is in a great location in the touristy area of Fort Myers. They can satisfy any...

I was at the ice cream shop shortly before 9:00 p.m. There were still customers inside, so I thought it would be no problem to order something. The two employees asked me what I wanted. I explained that I hadn't decided yet. After a short while, I made my presence known again and ordered a small cone.

First, the employee asked me if I wanted a chocolate cone. I said yes, but then immediately changed my mind and said I want a plain cone.She immediately rolled her eyes. When I mentioned the flavor, she made my ice cream, but when I smiled at her in a friendly manner, all she got was an unfriendly "What?!" I was honestly speechless by such behavior.

I haven't experienced such unfriendly service in a long time—especially because I always try to be polite myself. The ice cream itself was good, but unfortunately, having such staff ruined my visit. This will definitely be my last time at this...

Had a Butterscotch ice cream and it was delicious - notes of caramel, notes of vanilla, heath chocolate, brownie pieces, hint of butterscotch, all mixed into one great scoop. Not too sweet, creamy enough. Hit just the spot. Will come back again for more!

If you’re looking for basic classic flavors such as strawberry, coconut or rocky road, you WILL NOT find it here. They make their own mixes and have very few of the basic ones.

There are a few tables inside as well as a lavatory. Kids cup starts around $3.50. Small cup (pictured) was around $5.50 or so.

EDIT POST BUSINESS REPLY: thank you for letting me know! None of them were available on my visit, nor were they written on the board. Even another customer ahead of me asked for those same flavors and they were told they weren’t available. Either way, I will...