A Sweet Success: Craft3 Helps Preserve Beloved Astoria Ice Cream Shop

When Frite and Scoop, a beloved ice cream and French fry shop along Astoria's historic riverwalk came up for sale in 2023, it was more than just a business transaction – it was an opportunity to preserve a cherished local institution. Since 2014, Frite and Scoop has been delighting locals and tourists alike with their house-made ice cream and crispy frites, earning multiple "best of" awards for both their desserts and customer service.

When the original owners wanted to sell the business, Julia, one of the shop's very first employees from 2014, encouraged her parents to purchase the business. Together with another couple, they took ownership in October 2023, after being handpicked by the founding owners who were seeking successors who would honor the shop's legacy. The initial purchase was structured as an equal partnership between the two couples.

After six months of successful operation, one couple sought to acquire full ownership. Traditional banks typically shy away from financing such early-stage ownership transitions, but Craft3 recognized the opportunity to preserve a vital community asset and saw the success of the business. The $85,000 loan enabled one couple to buy out the other's ownership stake, ensuring the business could continue serving the community.

The investment aligns perfectly with Craft3's mission of strengthening rural economies while supporting women-owned businesses and local job creation. Thanks to this financing solution, visitors to Astoria's riverwalk can continue to enjoy award-winning ice cream and frites, served with the same dedication to quality and customer service that made the shop a local favorite for nearly a decade.