After a two-year hiatus, a Cutchogue staple has returned with a new name.
Scoops & Grinds, formerly Scoops Ice Cream, is up and running at its new Main Road location next to Braun Seafood. Along with a new name, the shop has increased offerings, including coffee and specialty drinks, made-to-order cakes and baked goods prepared by owner Lisa Kaytis-Liberatore.
“I love to bake and I love watching the response of someone eating something I baked,” said the self-taught Southold baker. “It makes me happy when I can make people happy.”
An avid dog lover, Kaytis-Liberatore also sells homemade dog treats filled with soft-serve vanilla ice cream. She plans to add fruit smoothies and acai bowls to the menu later this year, as well as rolls and bagels for early-morning visitors.
Despite its new name and offerings, not everything has changed, she said: Scoops & Grinds still serves Hershey’s ice cream and sells ready-for-pickup ice cream cakes.
A North Fork native, Kaytis-Liberatore returned to the area in 2001 after nearly two decades away. She spent most of her professional life working in customer service at Trans World Airlines before accepting a position as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. But after a few years, she said, the job became too emotionally taxing.
One day, while reading The Suffolk Times, Kaytis-Liberatore noticed that Scoops Ice Cream was for sale. She purchased it in 2006, becoming the business’ third owner.
She sold Scoops in 2010 but repurchased it in 2012 after learning it was once again for sale. In late 2014, when she was offered the opportunity to move the shop next to Braun Seafood, she closed Scoops temporarily in order to prepare the new space.
“When I got the opportunity to move the business here and change the location, I didn’t have to think twice,” Kaytis-Liberatore said. “I always wanted a space where people can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a homemade sweet treat.”
Kaytis-Liberatore began serving customers again this past Saturday, when Scoops & Grinds had a soft opening. After a large turnout and support from friends, family and locals, she’s excited to get back into the swing of things.
One of the events she’s most looking forward to is Cutchogue East Elementary School’s annual spring concert. Students and their families have traditionally flocked to Scoops following the performance, she said, and she missed being able to serve them over the past two years.
“I’m so happy to be able to do what I love and to share with the community — all the locals and weekenders that have supported me,” she said. “I’m looking forward to this spring. I have so much gratitude and I feel so blessed to finally have this come to fruition.”
Scoops & Grinds is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Once school lets out in June, the shop will be open until 10 p.m.
