Summer will be even more enjoyable now that Main Scoop is open downtown. Stopping in for some soft serve ice cream or one of the many fountain drinks will be nostalgic for many and build pleasant memories for the younger crowd.
Main Scoop shares the building at 611 Davis Avenue with another new enterprise, Heart and Soul Bridal. No one can miss the bright neon ice cream cone in the window. The business is the passion of Travis Troutwine whom many in Corning know as the used car salesman for Damewood Auto Sales and Repair. So the obvious question is “How did a used care salesman start an ice cream shop in a little town?” The answer is a testament to the twists and turns of life.
Travis grew up on a typical row crop and beef cattle farm near Grant City, MO (pop. 800) and, as kid, loved to hang out at the Dairy Queen in the downtown there. When he got older, he didn’t join the family farm, but instead took a job with a bank in Creston. The hour commute each way soon got old. Some of his Corning friends suggested that he move to Corning to shorten his road time and supported him with housing while he found an apartment then a house. Currently, he’s back on a farm south of town where he feels less confined. 4 years ago he took his current job at Damewood Auto where he has plenty of opportunity to meet local citizens. They repeatedly groaned about the demise of the soda fountain at Hy-Vee Drug store and inspiration hit.
Main Scoop will be open year round 6 days a week from 11 AM to 8 PM. Travis will be assisted by his sister, Sidney Troutwine, who has 6 years experience working at the DQ in Creston. His mom volunteered to pitch in also. Not surprisingly, the menu will be loosely based on the DQ offerings. For now however, no meals are planned, but that may change in the future. With such good help lined up, Travis will still be found with his Old English Sheepdog on the lot at Damewoods. But even he can’t resist the allure of frozen treats and cold sodas, so you’ll see him revisiting his youth hanging out at the ice cream shop in town. Only now it’s his.
