Doo Wop Preservation League Forum - Wildwood, NJ - Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops

Al Alven

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Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Jan 25^th, 2008, 3:34am

Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor

1111 New Jersey Ave
North Wildwood, NJ 08260
(p) (609) 729-2665

Official Website
http://www.coolscoops.com/

Wildwood Doo Wop Profile
http://www.wildwooddoowop.com/doowopspots/?ID=332

(We'll have much more info added to the profile soon, but a number of pics are up...)

Previous Doo Wop Discussions

Doo Wop Discussion #24: Singapore Motel (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1201015596

Doo Wop Discussion #23: Eden Roc Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1200346150

Doo Wop Discussion #22: Aruba Motel (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1199283718

Doo Wop Discussion #21: Dino's Boatel & Motel (West Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1198231643

Doo Wop Discussion #20: Ala Kai Motel (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1198229565

Doo Wop Discussion #19: Mango Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197650815

Doo Wop Discussion #18: Jade East Motel (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1197016280

Doo Wop Discussion #17: Waikiki Ocean Resort (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1196435327

Doo Wop Discussion #16: Pilgrim's Pride Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1195672361

Doo Wop Discussion #15: Panoramic Motel & Apts. (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1195249566

Doo Wop Discussion #14: Aztec Motel (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1194631484

Doo Wop Discussion #13: Schellenger's Restaurant (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1194014063

Doo Wop Discussion #12: Blue Water Motel (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1188571525

Doo Wop Discussion #11: Sea Shell Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1187359905

Doo Wop Discussion #10: Florentine Motor Inn (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1186753986

Doo Wop Discussion #9: Sea Gull Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1186152373

Doo Wop Discussion #8: Astronaut Motel (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1185547540

Doo Wop Discussion #7: Bonito Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1184945900

Doo Wop Discussion #6: Carideon Motel (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1184339880

Doo Wop Discussion #5: SurfSide West Diner (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1183739599

Doo Wop Discussion #4: Jolly Roger Motel (Wildwood Crest)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1183094699

Doo Wop Discussion #3: Pink Champagne Motel (Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1182520248

Doo Wop Discussion #2: New England Motel (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1181906799

Doo Wop Discussion #1: Isle of Capri Motel (North Wildwood)
http://www.doowopusa.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1181234853

For our 25th edition of the DWD, we return to North Wildwood and feature a ‘Neo’ Doo Wop entity for the first time. Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor opened six years ago (Wow, how time flies!), and instantly became a beloved landmark to many, located amongst a handful of other businesses on New Jersey Ave.

Cool Scoops owner Paul Russo is very dedicated to his enterprise, as well as to the promotion of the cultural heritage of rock n’ roll, and its connection to the Wildwoods. This is reflected in the retro-50s theme of the parlor, inside and out.

The building’s exterior features one the Wildwoods’ best examples of ‘Neo’ Doo Wop architecture, highlighted by a giant ice cream sundae motif over the main entrance, a vibrant teal and peach paint scheme, checkerboard boarder designs, vintage flagcrete, multi-colored circular shapes embedded on a screen covering over the bowed second floor railing, and the parlor’s signature neon roadside sign.

The inside… well, what can I say? In addition to being a great ice cream parlor, it’s a virtual museum, featuring (literally) hundreds of Doo Wop-era pop culture collectibles and memorabilia. There’s something new to see on every trip. Trust me, even the bathrooms are heavily decorated!

The building that houses the parlor has undergone many transformations over the years. It once operated as the Golden Way Motel, and was also a beauty salon. It’s safe to say, however, that it has found its perfect match.

There’s obviously a lot more that can be said about this place, but let’s kick the discussion off here…

So, whatcha got?

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FlyinGN

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #1 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 7:19am

love the place! Paul really LOVES what he is doing too and is a fighter for the Doo Wop..

The only thing that I do NOT like.. Oh please Paul IF you are reading this.. PLEASE, PLEASE get waitress service.. How he has it now is that you walk in and stand in a long line to get your ice cream .. then.... you have to stand around and wait for a seat. If your lucky enough to get one. The rules state that this is how its done.. and guess what REALLY happens?? People will grab a seat BEFORE they get ice ccream and a few people from their group wil go get ice cream . The whole time there are people standing around with dripping ice cream looking for seats!!! While people are sitting there with NO ice cream waiting for their ice cream to come. No one from the shop wil say anything either. THis has happened EVERY SINGLE time that we have gone there in the last 5 years.. without fail.. We have yet to get a booth that looks like the 57 Chevy or T bird too. They are always hogged by the people who what I jsut said happens.. I am not a complainer but this really irkes me.. And my wife won't allow me to say anythign to the people either. darn..

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hulk007 Ultimate God Member If I had one day left on earth i'd spend it in WW Posts: 5150 Gender:	Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops Reply #2 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 8:30am This place was an ice cream parlor before cool scopps wasn't it?
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jerseygirl

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #3 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 8:52am

Before Cool Scoops it was a hairdressers and I can't remember what else. There is an old pix on the wall by the door of the building.

Usually during the height of the season they have someone cleaning tables and they try to monitor, but it's extremely hard. If you see one of the crew who usually have the red Cool Scoops shirts on, quietly mention it and they can take care of it. We go in there quite a bit during the summer. Normally to chat while we eat and usually stand up by the register. The first time we went there, I tried to get a table first and didn't realize they don't want that and was asked to wait til we got the ice cream first. Then I saw the sign.

They should be reopening the weekend of March 8th.

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WildMan

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #4 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 10:12am

Do I get myself evicted from the site if I admit to never having been to Cool Scoops?

I've got to check this place out. Don't ask me why I've never been there because I couldn't give you a good answer. I have to say, the place looks amazing. I agree, it is one of the better examples of Neo Doo Wop (and those that know me are aware of my tepid embrace of Neo Doo Wop like the Starlux.)

My only "complaint" is the screen applied over the curved railing (which is an obvious example of Doo Wop design) but I can understand why it's there because of how it adds to the fun, festive appearance of the building. At least the old railing wasn't removed and it's design is still visible to a degree.

Paul deserves all the accolades in the world (or at least in Wildwood) for what he has done. I can't wait to check it out this summer, over and over again.

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jerseygirl Senior Member "Oh those Wildwood Days" Posts: 350 Gender:	Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops Reply #5 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 10:26am Not sure how many knew but 2 summers ago they did an episode of Trading Spaces and redid two of the rooms upstairs. They turned out fantastic! They show the video on the old TVs in the shop from time to time along with some other great videos.
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watchthetramcar Senior God Member Posts: 2106 Gender:	Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops Reply #6 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 11:38am That was a Great Show. You can watch the entire Show on the Cool Scoops Website. Kory
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Al Alven

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #7 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 12:37pm

Thanks for mentioning the Trading Spaces episode, Karen. That was definitely a big deal, and I'm surprised I forgot to mention that in the opening of this thread. I recommend checking out the episode to everyone, if you haven't already.

Rob, I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit to Cool Scoops. It's located on the same little business corridor as A&LP and the Vegas Diner, out there on NJ Ave. in NW. On one trip last year, we hit up the Vegas for dinner (best swordfish on the island, seriously), grabbed some ice cream at Cool Scoops for desert, then stopped at A&LP for some cheesesteaks and hoagies to go.

Three of our favorite places; you can't go wrong with any of 'em! Wink

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WildMan Ultimate God Member Posts: 5698 Gender:	Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops Reply #8 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 2:12pm I say we hold an unofficial meeting of the DWPL minds there, right before we go bar-hopping
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FlyinGN

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #9 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 6:28pm

great lineup Al!! Love all 3 too

Vegas is a great classic diner...

Quote from Al Alven on Jan 25^th, 2008, 12:37pm:

Thanks for mentioning the Trading Spaces episode, Karen. That was definitely a big deal, and I'm surprised I forgot to mention that in the opening of this thread. I recommend checking out the episode to everyone, if you haven't already.

Rob, I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit to Cool Scoops. It's located on the same little business corridor as A&LP and the Vegas Diner, out there on NJ Ave. in NW. On one trip last year, we hit up the Vegas for dinner (best swordfish on the island, seriously), grabbed some ice cream at Cool Scoops for desert, then stopped at A&LP for some cheesesteaks and hoagies to go.

Three of our favorite places; you can't go wrong with any of 'em! Wink

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crazyaboutwildwood Ex Member	Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops Reply #10 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 6:36pm Paul has had some famous people in there and I think there pictures are on the wall. Who are these people? The Geator? who else?
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hulk007

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #11 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 9:43pm

Quote from jerseygirl on Jan 25^th, 2008, 8:52am:

Before Cool Scoops it was a hairdressers and I can't remember what else. There is an old pix on the wall by the door of the building.

Usually during the height of the season they have someone cleaning tables and they try to monitor, but it's extremely hard. If you see one of the crew who usually have the red Cool Scoops shirts on, quietly mention it and they can take care of it. We go in there quite a bit during the summer. Normally to chat while we eat and usually stand up by the register. The first time we went there, I tried to get a table first and didn't realize they don't want that and was asked to wait til we got the ice cream first. Then I saw the sign.

They should be reopening the weekend of March 8th.

A hairdresser? Wow, talk about going in a different direction.

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wildwood4life

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #12 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 11:01pm

Paul and Lori Russo are 2 of the greatest people that I've met! They are hugh advocates for the Wildwoods, DooWop, and anything to help keep the doo wop culture alive. I have had the pleasure of speaking with the both of them many times. Paul really knows his stuff. These are great people to talk to. I had the opportunity to get to know them pretty well, and I am glad for that....they are genuinely good people.

Their shop is incredible! It is a true definition of the doo wop culture. The juke box, old TV set, and memoribelia (sp?) along with the photos, and the overall look of the place, Cool Scoops is most definitely a place that you want to visit. I personally never encountered a problem with finding a place to sit and eat my ice cream. My advice would be to go early or go late, the in between time usually gets pretty crowded, with lines at times all the way to the door. But be advised that the wait is worth it! Cool Scoops has the best Dairy Free Ice Cream on the Island which is fantastic news for those of us who are Lactose Intolerant! But anyway, Cool Scoops is definitely worth the wait in line, even if it is just for the chance to see doo wop culture in action!

Rick

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ilovewildwood

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Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops
Reply #13 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 11:24pm

Cool Scoops is one of my favorite places in Wildwood and Paul and Lori are two of my favorite people. Besides the ice cream (which is great...and this is from a Kohr's junkie) and the memorabilia collection (like a mini-museum) they've worked really hard to bring new ideas to Wildwood. Paul started the Wildwood Music Awards, bringing some great acts to his free shows, and, with Shawn Swords, the Wildwood-by-the-Sea Film Festival, which started last year, and we were proud to be part of.

Re: the pictures. Besides Geator, there are photos of some of the people who've performed in town, like the Comets, Charlie Gracie, Bobby Rydell, etc. and others I can't remember right now.

Now I'm in the mood for a milkshake.....

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jerseygirl Senior Member "Oh those Wildwood Days" Posts: 350 Gender:	Re: Doo Wop Discussion #25: Cool Scoops Reply #14 - Jan 25^th, 2008, 11:25pm Carolyn: Didn't know if you saw my earlier post - they reopen the weekend of March 8th. You headed up this direction before you go to Iceland?
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