Cool Scoops Owners Announce Plans to Retire After Twenty Four Seasons in North Wildwood
For more than two decades, Cool Scoops has been one of the most recognizable and beloved destinations in North Wildwood.
The bright neon lights, classic car booths, and walls filled with mid-century memorabilia have made the 1950s-themed ice cream parlor much more than a place to grab a cone.
It has become a landmark, a gathering spot, and a piece of Wildwood nostalgia that visitors return to year after year.
Now, after completing their twenty-fourth season, owners Paul and Lori Russo are preparing for the next chapter and have shared their plans to retire.
Cool Scoops Owners Announce Plans to Retire After Twenty Four Seasons in North Wildwood
From a Former Motel to a Wildwood Icon
The story of Cool Scoops began in early 2002 when the Russos purchased the former Abree Motel on New Jersey Avenue.
At that time, the building was a cream color with a sea-foam green highlight.
Abree Motel North Wildwood 1999
The first floor featured a retail space that they immediately saw potential in.
Renovations began that same year, and their vision was clear. They wanted to transform the space into a retro-themed ice cream shop that captured the feeling of a classic 1950s soda fountain. That vision became the Cool Scoops we know today.
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This of course fits in nicely with the Doo Wop theme the Wildwoods are known for throughout the island.
The first floor soon became a spectacle of chrome accents, neon signage, jukebox sounds, and brightly painted classic car booths. And yes! Eating in the classic cars only made the ice cream taste even better!
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The second floor of the building was carefully reimagined as a large residence with the option to rent several of the original motel rooms.
It was a full transformation of the property, and it set the stage for what would become a longtime Wildwood favorite.
A Place Filled With Memories
Over twenty-four summers, Cool Scoops has become a place where more memories have been created than anyone could ever count. Countless musical artists appeared at the ice cream parlor, and many performed right inside the shop.
Visitors over the years have had the chance to see legends such as Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, The Comets, Peter Tork, and The Kit Kats. The Travel Channel even featured the business and the show Trading Spaces renovated two of the rental units upstairs.
The shop also became an unexpected backdrop for some of the island’s most cherished personal moments. Couples have gotten engaged inside the classic cars. Brides and grooms have taken their first look photos there.
Engagement photo sessions, senior portraits, and family shoots have all captured the unique nostalgia and energy of the space. Cool Scoops has truly been part of the community fabric in a way that few businesses ever get to experience.
A Difficult Decision and the Hope for a New Owner
After more than two decades of pouring their energy into the business, Paul and Lori are now looking toward the future. They told us that the choice to retire did not come easily.
“This has been a hard decision as so many of our customers have become our friends.”
The Russos are now seeking someone who can carry the torch and keep the classic charm of Cool Scoops alive for future generations.
“We are looking for someone to purchase the building and Cool Scoops and to love it all as much as we do.”
While the search for the right buyer may take time, the owners want the community to know that Cool Scoops is not closing its doors just yet.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Current plans are to reopen once again for the 2026 season.
The Russos say they intend to welcome everyone back on February 13, 2026 because, as they put it, “everyone deserves Sam’s Pizza and Cool Scoops.”
This upcoming transition marks the end of an era but also opens the door to a new future for one of North Wildwood’s most iconic small businesses.
For now, fans can look forward to possibly one more season inside the neon glow of Cool Scoops, where memories are always served with a cherry on top.
Best of luck to the Russo family from all of us at the Wildwood Video Archive