Running a successful ice cream shop isn’t just about the big-ticket items like freezers and machines; it’s also about the small details that keep your store running efficiently, profitably, and consistently.
This month’s tip is all about what we call “The Three S’s”: Storage, Scoops, and Smallwares.
Let’s dive in and see how these three essentials can make a big impact on your business.
1. Smallwares: Little Tools, Big Profits
When it comes to running an ice cream shop, smallwares might seem like an afterthought—but they can actually drive major profits.
Smallwares include all the little tools and accessories that help you serve, sell, and create new profit centers in your store. Things like:
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Hot fudge and caramel pumps
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Milkshake spinners
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Cone dip warmers
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Topping stations
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Portioning utensils and containers
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Each of these items adds functionality and versatility to your shop.
For example:
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Cone dip warmers allow you to offer dipped cones as a $1 upcharge. It’s a small addition that instantly boosts average ticket size and gives customers something fun and unique.
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Hot fudge pumps make it easy to serve sundaes quickly and cleanly during rush hours.
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Milkshake spinners let you turn basic ingredients into high-margin treats with minimal effort.
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These are small investments that create new ways to make money from what you already have. That’s the definition of a profit center—and it all starts with the right tools.
2. Scoops: The Secret to Consistency
Next up: scoops.
You might not think much about your ice cream scoop, but it plays a huge role in your business’s success. Scoops are more than serving tools—they’re key to controlling food costs, maintaining consistency, and reducing waste.
When your team uses the same scoop size every time, every cone, cup, and sundae looks the same and costs the same to make. That’s consistency customers notice—and profit margins you can rely on.
A few tips for managing scoops effectively:
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Color-code your scoops for different serving sizes.
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Train your team to use the correct scoop for each menu item.
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Invest in quality scoops that are durable, comfortable, and dishwasher-safe.
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By using the right scoops, you’ll keep portion sizes accurate, reduce waste, and maintain the kind of brand consistency that customers appreciate.
3. Storage: Stay Fresh, Stay Organized
The third “S” stands for storage, and it’s the foundation for running an organized, efficient shop.
Good storage keeps your ingredients fresh, your workflow smooth, and your team on track. It also makes it easier to portion products correctly—helping you avoid waste and spoilage.
Here are a few storage essentials every ice cream shop should have:
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Ingredient bins for toppings and mix-ins
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Labeled containers for sauces and syrups
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Cold storage for cones, cups, and dairy items
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Clear shelving and refrigeration organization for quick restocking
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Having a storage system in place also helps with training and accountability. When every employee knows where things belong and how to handle them, your store runs smoothly, and customers notice.
Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff
When people plan out their store setup, they often focus on the big, exciting pieces of equipment—the batch freezers, soft serve machines, or display cases. But the truth is, it’s often the smaller items that make the biggest difference day-to-day.
The **Three S’s—Storage, Scoops, and Smallwares—**are the backbone of consistency, profitability, and efficiency in your shop.
Here’s what they do for you:
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Smallwares create new profit opportunities and make operations easier.
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Scoops control your portions, maintain consistency, and protect your profit margins.
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Storage keeps your store organized and your ingredients fresh.
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It’s all about maximizing what you have, staying organized, and running your business smarter—not harder.
Final Scoop
Success in the frozen dessert business isn’t just about what you sell—it’s about how you sell it. The right tools, systems, and attention to detail turn a good ice cream shop into a great one.
So as you think about your store setup, remember the Three S’s: Storage, Scoops, and Smallwares. Focus on these fundamentals, and you’ll keep your shop running efficiently, your customers happy, and your profits growing.
