Have you ever seen anyone unhappy inside an ice cream shop? Chances are low. And if they are, they're probably there to cheer up. You can't help but smile when you walk into Scrumptious. We describe it as the neighborhood ice cream shop with absolute endless character. We chatted with Scott Spears about his pretty perfect ice cream and candy shop landmark in Longmont.

1. How and when did Scrumptious begin? Did you always have a desire to establish and operate a neighborhood ice cream/candy shop? 
 
We opened in November of 2013.  Our Longmont location was our second Scrumptious location (the first was/is in Olde Town Arvada).  Since we were already doing it in Arvada, we wanted to spread the joy to more areas!   
 
2. What’s your personal connection to Longmont, and why did you choose this community?
 
We were drawn to Longmont because it had a very similar feel to Olde Town Arvada, as well as that the owner’s father had worked in Longmont for years.  The DDA was a huge bonus while looking at Longmont as our second location as they were extremely welcoming and helpful. 
 
3. If you had to describe Scrumptious to someone who has never been, how would you do so?
 
Scrumptious makes everyone feel like a kid again.  You walk in and almost everyone can see something that reminds them of their childhood.  From candy, to ice cream, to fun novelties, there is no way to be in a bad mood at Scrumptious.  But, its not just for kids.  Big screen TVs playing sports entertain adults while their kids can look around.  And the award winning homemade ice cream is a must!
 
4. Let’s talk about the ice cream. What makes Scrumptious’ ice cream a thing of beauty?
 
We use a super premium mix, and make it in a gelato machine, which puts less air into the ice cream making it more creamier.  With that, we have come up with many signature flavors, along with many regular/everyday flavors, that really set us apart.  These flavors include Elvis, Santa's Breath, Leprechaun Poop, and many others
 
5. Other than your own ice cream, who makes the best? Don’t feel geographically restricted here — we’re talking anywhere in the world. 
 
To be honest, the gelato in Italy is the best.  I don't know how they make it or what ingredients they put in it, but there is something about it that can't be replicated!
 
6. As a small business owner, what’s been one of the great challenges and one of the great successes of operating Scrumptious?

We have had many different challenges, but the greatest challenge has been COVID.  We know has been really hard on everyone, employees and guests alike.  We take the rules very seriously and it is hard to explain to guests that these are not our rules, we just have to enforce them. Obviously the shutdown was very hard on us financially, but mentally as well.  We look forward to getting to the other side of this at some point.  As for a success, it would have to be bringing so much joy to people.  You really can’t be in a bad mood with ice cream and candy, and it feels great to be able to bring happiness to so many.  
 
7. Finally, if you were sending an invite to the entire LoCo community to stop by Scrumptious, what would it say?

Come take a break from the crazy world with us!  We have all of your favorite treats to take your mind off of everything!  Escape into a cup of home made ice cream or your favorite candy!

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A city is only as good as the pizza it serves - and Longmont, we're in luck because Rosalee's on Main Street lacks for nothing. As noted by the crowd waiting for a seat or their takeout order on almost any give night of the week. I got to ask some hard-hitting questions about pizza and it's a job I took seriously because I take pizza seriously. 

Q: First, let’s start with the name: Rosalee’s. Where does it come from? 
A: Rosalee was a famous cow from Wisconsin that was known to have some of the best milk in the state...or was it that Scottish fiddle player that moved to California to grow some of the finest tomatoes?

Q: How and when did Rosalee’s begin? Did you always have a desire to establish and operate a neighborhood pizzeria? 
​A: We opened in 2014, although the pie shop really started years before in our home.  We knew we wanted to open a pizzeria,  a place that was dedicated to great food, energetic and fun environment backed with awesome service.

Q: What’s your personal connection to Longmont, and why did you choose this community?  
​A: We have lived in Longmont since 2005 and have loved being part of the community and watching it change over the years.  We are so happy to be part of such a welcoming and loyal community.

Q: If you had to describe Rosalee’s to someone who has never been, how would you do so?
A: Rosalee's is the kind of restaurant where you go to celebrate everything from closing on your first house to just the fact that it's Wednesday. You can reflect on the day's events surrounded by the flowers on the back patio or have lively conversation at the bar with someone you just met while having a great slice and cold local beer.

Q: Let’s talk about the pies. What makes a Rosalee’s pies (round or square) a thing of beauty?
A: A raging hot oven. Mozzarella shredded in house. Quality ingredients, starting with dough that's naturally fermented, killer plum tomatoes, and every pie is finished with aged Pecorino Romano cheese. Brings it all together.


Q: Other than your own pies, who makes a killer pie/slice? Don’t feel geographically restricted here — we’re talking anywhere in the world. 
A: Modern in New Haven probably has our favorite plain cheese pie. So many places though. No pie is the same. Never grow tired of searching for the next favorite. Pizza is life.


Q: As small business owners, what’s been one of the great challenges and one of the great successes of operating Rosalee’s?
A: I'd say one of the great challenges is right now. COVID times have made us go from primarily a seated pizza restaurant to a predominantly take out pizzeria, while still operating out of 2 relatively small ovens (and no room for another). One of the great successes is meeting so many people in the community and being a part of their lives. Being here close to 6 years, has made that possible. It's definitely a big circle.


Q: Finally, if you were sending an invite to the entire LoCo community to stop by Rosalee’s, what would it say?
A: Do you love to spend some quality time hanging with family or friends in an environment that's crackling with good vibes and energy? You say you're into food made with love and intention? You're a lover of crisp, chewy, and cheesy pizza pies? It's on then!  Let meet at 461 Main Street, ( Awesome Downtown ) Longmont, Colorado.

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