BREAKING: In an exciting development for ice cream lovers, Matt Scott is officially the new owner of SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington, a beloved local staple. Scott purchased the iconic shop located at 5 Railroad Street in April 2023, but only shared the news recently during an interview with The Berkshire Edge.
Scott’s journey in the ice cream industry spans over a decade, having previously served as the director of brand integrity and flavor master at SoCo from 2009 to 2017. After gaining experience at Ample Hills Creamery in Brooklyn and Dutchess Creamery in Red Hook, he returned to Berkshire County to fulfill his dream of owning SoCo.
“I kept in touch with Erik Bruun, the former owner, and everything aligned perfectly for this transition,” Scott stated. His passion for ice cream is palpable, as he emphasizes its role in bringing joy to communities. “There are very few people who have negative feelings about ice cream,” he added.
Scott will continue to operate his consulting business, Optimal Ice Cream, which helps smaller ice cream makers scale their operations. He aims to enhance SoCo’s offerings while preserving its community-focused ethos. “We’re not trying to take over the world or change who we are. We want to focus on what we do well and make it better,” he explained.
In line with this vision, Scott plans to implement minor upgrades to the store, such as brighter packaging for ice cream pints and new equipment to improve operational efficiency. SoCo will be undergoing renovations in the winter, temporarily closing to install new countertops and equipment.
Scott’s family, including his wife and two young children, will support him in this venture. He has expressed gratitude for their involvement, particularly praising his wife for helping manage the complexities of running a retail store.
As Scott prepares for this new chapter, he reassures customers that the essence of SoCo will remain intact. “I want to improve the experience for the consumer and give our scoopers the tools they need to succeed,” he stated.
For more updates on SoCo Creamery’s new ownership and future developments, stay tuned and visit their website for operating hours. This exciting transition marks a new era for one of Great Barrington’s favorite ice cream shops, promising fresh flavors and enhanced community engagement.
