People living in the Capital Region are about to get one more family-friendly option when Happy Scoops Ice Cream Parlor opens this fall in Central. Co-owner Chris Hector recently told What Now New Orleans that the ice cream parlor is a family business that’s been years in the making. He added that it will be a retro, 50s-style parlor that fits perfectly with the building where it’s located, 13623 Hooper Rd.
“It’s actually one of the oldest buildings in the town,” Hector said. “I think it was built in the 40s or 50s, and we kind of like the 50s style vibe because it’s a good era for families.”
When it opens this fall, the ice cream parlor will serve cones, sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits, root beer floats, and more made with ice cream from Blue Bell Creameries. The parlor will also have nachos and hot dogs as savory options.
Guests will be able to sit at retro stainless steel tables and chairs that sit atop a black and white checkerboard floor. One part of the parlor will have classic games for families to sit and play together. The parlor will play ‘50s music to complete the overall vibe. It is located right across the street from Central High School, and Hector said he expects to get crowds before and after the high school football games there.
In addition to being a family-oriented concept, Happy Scoops is also a family-run business. Hector said his kids and their spouses have all been chipping in on everything from interior decorating to dealing with state inspections.
“We’ve been kind of going back and forth over text, with each of us taking a role and certain pieces of the setup,” he said. “Someone will say hey, we’re doing this, and hey, I’m working on that.
“It’s stressful, but it’s fun because we’re family, and we all get along very well.”
