New Spiked Ice Cream Shop Set To Open In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, NY — New Yorkers, in big numbers, are looking to the Memorial Day weekend to turn the page on COVID-19 and look toward the future.

For business owner Melissa Tavss, Memorial Day marks an important beginning for her as well. Her alcohol-infused ice cream shop Tipsy Scoop is debuting in Long Beach's West End.

She has a handful of stores, starting the franchise in Chelsea and Williamsburg, and expanding with kiosks at Citi Field and Las Vegas. But, this marks her first Long Island location.

"We've always driven by this area, walked by it," Tavss told Patch. "This was the only place I would want to open in Long Beach."

But, not everyone was thrilled with Tipsy Scoop in their back yard. Tavss had to attend a recent city council meeting for the approval process.

"They were very upset because they did not realize the ice cream had alcohol in it, even though we have to provide our website with all [the] information," Tavss said.

Ultimately, they got the necessary votes to open.

"I think they're just concerned because they haven't had something like this here before," Tavss said.

She set her sights on West Beech St., which is known for a string of bars and restaurants. However, that dream location could turn into a nightmare without proper awareness.

"If somebody comes in, they already been to a couple of other bars and they're already intoxicated, we would not feel comfortable serving them, of course," Tavss said.

The packaging indicates an age requirement and workers are expected to check customers for identification cards if they seem under 21 years old. Despite that, they received the green light to open without requiring a liquor license.

Tavss's family is no stranger to ice cream making, dating back to the 1800s, bringing gelato from Italy to Scotland. Tavss updated the family recipe from her marketing work in the wine and spirits industry. She has 15 flavors on the menu, such as Vanilla Bean Bourbon and Tequila Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Tavss, who recently bought a home in Long Beach, is rushing to get the store ready for Memorial Day as the final painting and construction is getting completed.

"New York City was not the best place to be during the pandemic, so it's great to get to the beach. I didn't even know this place existed," Tavss said.