ARLINGTON — When the Local Scoop restaurant reopens on Monday, Feb. 24, even its menus will still be the same.
Joe Frew and Steve Parker of Vanguard Northwest have acquired the establishment from Bev and Dave Angerbauer, and are set to reopen with half a dozen employees to start with, including new manager Dave Eddy.
“Dave is experienced in multiple food programs,” Parker said. “He has degrees in restaurant management and the culinary arts. As developers, Joe and I have put in around 50 houses in Arlington, so we have a vested interest in seeing this community succeed.”
While Local Scoop patrons will be able to walk back into the old restaurant and order their favorites if they wish, Parker and Frew also have an eye toward gradually improving the establishment over time, from refurbishing its decor to expanding its menu selection. While those changes are on track to occur over the course of several months, one change that customers will notice right away is the Local Scoop’s new hours.
“The Local Scoop used to be open six days a week, but now, we’ll be open on Sundays as well,” Frew said. “We’ll also be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. We’re really going after those breakfast and dinner customers.”
Weekend hours will be more flexible, since Frew and Parker agreed that the Local Scoop might close earlier in the afternoons on Sundays, but they promised that Sundays would always serve breakfast and lunch patrons at least.
“With those expanded hours and days of service, we’re going to have to expand our number of employees as well,” Parker said. “This will become especially important as we grow to utilize all our space. What used to be a party room for special occasions will be opened back up as regular restaurant space.”
With these other changes will come tweaks to the Local Scoop’s menu options, although the new co-owners hastened to reassure the community that even these changes would remain in keeping with the traditional feel of the restaurant.
“We might be adding some homemade ice cream to our flavors,” Parker said. “We’re also looking at offering hand-patties rather than frozen patties. These are things that will make people’s eating experiences more personal, and give the Local Scoop more of its own flavor. Dave even wants to give everyone free scones on our opening day,” he laughed. “He’s sure they’ll be a big hit.”
“We’re not going to demolish everyone’s familiar Local Scoop,” Frew said. “We’re just looking to modernize it a bit. We won’t get rid of the hamburgers, but we’ll also offer some health food choices. Ultimately, we want to give folks what they want.”
“In the meantime, our first order of business is to get these doors open again,” Parker said. “Arlington is our home, and the Local Scoop is an icon here, so we couldn’t just watch it go away.”
“It’s already been closed too long,” Frew said. “This is the community’s restaurant, and we’re happy to receive any suggestions.”
