Kiddie Scoop, 2 Scoops, 3 Scoops

Dear Friends and Fans of The Hop Ice Cream,
Firstly, Happy 2022! Ashley and I truly hope that this will be a great year for everyone! We enter it motivated as ever... Let's jump right in!

1) A Conscientious Beginning

We are excited to announce that as of today we have officially changed the names of our sizes from
Kiddie Scoop, 1 Scoop, and 2 Scoops

to

Kiddie Scoop, 2 Scoops, and 3 Scoops.

The reason for the change are to simplify the ordering/scooping process for customers and Hopsters alike, making it easier to experience more of our handcrafted dairy and vegan ice cream. We kindly ask for your patience as we all adjust and get comfortable with the change.

Also, as of today we have increased prices at all locations. There are many reasons for the price increase, such as to keep up with the rising cost of goods and reflect the quality of ice cream we create. However, the primary reason is to raise wages for the awesome Hopsters.

The folks scooping and making ice cream have always been amazing, and the same is true now! They have masterfully managed a challenging time with kindness and concern for everyone's safety while adapting to regular changes in protocols. And with the price increase we can get back to the plan started pre-COVID to raise wages for Hopsters in all front and back of house positions.

2) Happiness Through Ice Cream

Since becoming owners in 2008, Ashley and I have endeavored to create the creamiest, most delicious ice cream possible using the best ingredients we can source. The goal of our efforts has always been to provide happiness for the community in which we operate. Ice cream is our craft and how we do so.

In 2022, we focus on bringing ice cream that is "the best of the best" into rotation at The Hop(s). The flavors in rotation will change slightly every 6 weeks or so, which will keep things fun and interesting. Also, we have plans to introduce (or reintroduce in some cases) several flavors, including a brand new kid-friendly flavor, set to be released in March. More on that later...

Additionally, the Online Store gives us an amazing outlet for what we refer to as our "small batch" ice cream. We promise there will be an exciting assortment of recurring flavors, seasonal gems, and regular collaborations for the Bountiful Cities Series, Asheville Strong Series, etc. coming into the Online Store. And while we are on the subject, the Online Store also gives you, the customer, an avenue to order quarts, half gallons, gallons, and 2.5 gallons of custom flavors. A 7 day turnaround is all that's required.

3) The Community

What is the point of all this? you might be wondering. Why make all these changes, jump through all these hoops? Thanks for asking!

The short answer is... we are all in this community together and, the way we see it, it is our charge to inject it with as much positivity as possible. That's why providing happiness is as much about smiles and fun for families and folks at The Hop(s) as it is about the bigger picture. Raising wages, collaborating to make delicious ice cream, and building relationships that are more diverse and inclusive within this community through events and fundraisers allow us to create genuine, tangible opportunities for folks in WNC, which is the foremost goal of all of this.

Events and fundraisers are slightly different now, but that certainly won't stop us supporting the causes we hold dear. We look forward to working with various organizations and are compelled to come up with creative ways to do so. Online Store fundraisers, as a start, give us means to support that are both simple and safe, and you can certainly expect to see more of them going forward.

This year education and literacy will be a main focus of ours but we definitely will not limit our support to those. The specific organizations and efforts will be announced throughout the year, including ways you can get involved or otherwise be present. That being said, feel free to reach out if you are part or know of a near and dear organization :)

Once again, Happy 2022, everyone! We look forward to a great year for all of us!

Much Love,
We wee Garrisons