Sam’s Scoops brings sweet memories back to Mile

A familiar sweet aroma is once again wafting through the streets, along the historic Nautical Mile in Freeport.

For more than two decades, Pip’s Ice Cream Parlour was more than just a local favorite — it was a cherished institution. The family-run business brought joy and a sense of community to the area, with patrons becoming friends and countless memories being made.

The beloved ice cream shop was forced to close its doors two years ago due to a combination of flooding and rising rents — but its spirit lives on in a new venture: Sam’s Scoops.

Donna Arca, the original owner of Pip’s, along with her husband, Bill, a pharmacist, initially bought the establishment in 2001.

“He said, ‘Our children are getting older, I want to keep the family together,’” she said. “He said, ‘I want to buy an ice cream parlor.’ I said, ‘What are you crazy?’”

Named in honor of Arca’s late mother, Julia Josephine, affectionately called Pip – short for “Pipina,” Italian for Josephine –, Pip’s Ice Cream Parlour was a popular hub for the community for 21 years.

The ice cream shop — complete with a fireplace and wooden floors reminiscent, according to Arca, of a Norman Rockwell painting — provided a welcoming atmosphere and became a second home for many.

“People came in as strangers and left as friends,” Arca said.

However, Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the quaint shop, damaging freezers and causing repeated flooding. Despite the Arca family’s best efforts to rebuild, increasing rent demands eventually made it impossible to continue.

Shutting Pip’s in 2022 was a heartbreaking moment for Arca, her family and the Freeport community. However, in true community spirit, she found a way to give back, deciding to sponsor a new venture to carry on the legacy of Pip’s.

That’s when Robyn Workman and Sam’s Scoops came to the rescue.

Workman, the owner and proprietor of Sparkle on StageCultural Arts Center, who has a passion for both theater and ice cream, was chosen by Arca to breathe new life into the space.

“I called Robyn and said, ‘I will sponsor you, but I am retired. It’s not Pip’s anymore, but I want to bring Hershey’s back to the Nautical Mile and give the village back its family ice cream shop,’” Arca said.

With Arca’s sponsorship, which included providing freezers and equipment, and her guidance, Workman has set up Sam’s Scoops within Sparkle on Stage, at 195 Woodcleft Ave. When entering the establishment, the new parlor is on the left hand side, taking up a portion of the cultural arts center’s entrance area.

“We’re located right in the middle of the mile, which is very convenient for most people,” Workman said. “Theater and ice cream, there’s no better combination.”

“It’s not Pip’s, but Robyn is going to do it… she’s going to be amazing,” Arca said.

Workman has retained two of Arca’s long-time employees to manage the new ice cream shop, ensuring continuity and a familiar face for regulars. Among them is Katherine Leon, a 26-year-old esthetician who managed Pip’s and now oversees operations at Sam’s Scoops. “(Kat) is my everything,” Arca proudly states.

Sam’s Scoops, offering 24 flavors of Hershey’s Ice Cream, had its soft opening earlier this month.

The return of Hershey’s has rekindled fond memories and brought joy back to Freeport’s Nautical Mile.

Arca expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support over the years. “My customers were gold,” she said. “The people of Freeport are wonderful.”

Though she has retired from scooping ice cream, Arca’s heart remains with Pip’s and the community it nurtured.

“The memories of the people of Freeport and the Nautical Mile live in my heart. It’s just such a blessing,” she said.

For Arca, seeing familiar faces enjoying their favorite ice cream again is rewarding enough. “It’s worth every penny,” she said.

Sam’s Scoops current hours are 3 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 1 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.