The Weekly Mattian: Episode 2: Competition in the Ice Cream World

When you think of summer, you think of the sun, beach, vacation, and fun. But when you think of summer food, the human brain automatically connects summer with Ice Cream. Yes, the simple mixture of milk, cream, ice, and several other mono and poly ingredients has become one of the staples of summertime eating. I think it is relatively safe to say that there is no one in this country of ours that doesn't enjoy this satisfying treat. (Unless they are lactose and tolerant, and there are substitutes mind you!)
As you've read on my profile, I am indeed a "master" professional ice cream scooper at Jamestown N.Y.'s most popular ice cream destination, Tastee Corners and Cafe. In the two years that I have worked there, I have learned a vast amount about the world of ice cream, and have come to realize that there is quite a lot of competition in the business. The main goal of any business is to make a profit by selling goods and services at an economical price and in a practical way. But even the ice cream world has trouble reaching these goals.
In preparing this episode, I ventured out to the different ice cream shops around the southern Chautauqua County area to look at and compare prices. Some of these places were quite reasonable with their prices, and others were just downright expensive. The cheapest place by far is the Bayview Lodge and Marina located in Onoville, N.Y. This quaint little ice cream shack sits beside a large wooden pirate ship and overlooks the beautiful Onoville Marina. Why, you wonder, is this the cheapest ice cream locale? Because it is in the middle of nowhere! Secluded from city and other town life, this ice cream stand makes its profit from mainly the boaters and sailors, who come to dock at the Marina.
Ok, I'll admit it. The most expensive place I found was indeed my place of work, Tastee Corners. At least once during the course of my work day, some loser will come up the window and say, "Why are your prices so high"? and "That's a lot of money for just one scoop"! As I've said before, businesses are out to make a profit and Tastee Corners just has a little harder time trying to do this. Because of our location, right on the corner of Foote Ave and the Southside Plaza, Tastee Corners has to pay an immense value every month on the rent. Property in this high access plaza is not cheap and we get bit on the deal. The building stays closed in the winter because nobody wants to pay the high rent to use it in the snow! (Just think of the costs to plow that place!) But one thing you will get at Tastee Corners is a wide variety of sundaes and flavors, and great service from the employees that work there. Even though some days are a bear, I love working with each and every one of them.
Being able to go out and eat ice cream is an extremely fun privilege that many people never get to do. So get out there and support our local ice cream shoppees! (Before we start buying the stuff for $10.00 a carton at Quality in the middle of January!)