Scoops ice cream parlor braves uncertain times

While selling ice cream in a tropical island is a no-brainer, it takes a truly brave company like Transpacific International Inc. to open Foremost Scoops Saipan during these turbulent economic times.

Today marks the ice cream parlor’s grand opening. A special celebration and ribbon cutting will start at 6 p.m.

Foremost Scoops is located on Middle Road in Gualo Rai, beside Subway.

Transpacific is banking on the Foremost ice cream brand and Foremost products in general, which have been around the region for well over 50 years, making them a household name recognized by old and new generations.

“The goal of the Foremost Scoops concept is to create an extension of that brand from the home to a gathering place for friends and family. As economic times become more challenging, we hope to offer a little escape by providing an inexpensive yet tasty way to enjoy simple pleasures,” Marcos Fong, group executive vice president for Transpacific International Inc., told Saipan Tribune.

Investment into the concept was more than simply financial.

“Foremost Scoops Saipan is just the second outlet of this retail concept and a lot of work by many people was needed to make it happen. Everything from the décor all the way to the menu offerings were created from scratch, which took a lot of research and development,” Fong added.

Foremost Scoops occupies roughly 1,000-sq. ft. with seating for about 20. The hours of operation will mirror that of Subway at the moment and Transpacific may consider adjusting as business trends are established.

Foremost Scoops touts the quality of its cream. Because Foremost products are produced in Transpacific’s own facility in Guam, the company knows the ice cream it serves is made fresh, “possibly just days ago.”

“Few places can boast that,” Fong said. “We do not compromise the quality of our ingredients, but still offer excellent value for the money.”

Ice cream lovers can choose from flavors unique to Foremost, including Ube, Banana Susana or the newest addition, Mocha Almond Fudge. Health conscious consumers may also choose frozen yogurt.

The ice cream parlor offers waffle cones made fresh throughout the day, available in single or double scoop sizes. For a bigger treat, it has Classic Sundaes, also in single or double scoop, with a variety of toppings like hot fudge and nuts.

For an even chiller treat, Foremost Scoops has milk shakes made with ice cream and Foremost milk. Prices range from $2.99 to $5.29.

Fong said the ice cream parlor’s soft opening allowed the staff to practice making the perfect “scoop.”

“Scooping is an art that requires a certain precision and feel that can only be gained with experience so the soft opening allows our team to perfect that,” he said. “The grand opening will be on Friday, Jan. 30, with a special celebration and ribbon cutting. We hope that the public will come down that weekend or very soon after to try out the great products we have to offer.”

Another popular ice cream parlor on Saipan is Big Dipper, located in Garapan.