DES MOINES, Iowa — Local ice cream maker Beth Mensing is rallying community support to bring her dream of opening an ice cream shop in Des Moines’ Highland Park neighborhood to life. Through a Kickstarter campaign, Mensing aims to raise $35,000 to fund the project, with the deadline set for January 29th at 10 a.m. If the goal is not met, all pledged donations will be refunded.
Mensing’s passion for ice cream began in her childhood, where she spent summers making the treat with her grandmother, Norma, every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. After her grandmother’s passing, she continued the tradition with her grandfather, cementing her love for the craft. In 2014, she turned her passion into a business, launching Pints by Beth, a nod to both ice cream and beer, after creating a unique beer-infused ice cream for a local restaurant event.
Despite the closure of the restaurant that initially supported her venture, Mensing has remained determined to open her own shop. In February 2022, she identified a vacant space at the corner of Euclid Avenue and 6th Avenue in Highland Park as the perfect location for her dream shop, Scoops by Beth. However, securing a loan has proven challenging, prompting her to turn to crowdfunding.
The Kickstarter campaign has already garnered significant support, raising nearly $22,000 as of now. Mensing expressed gratitude for the Highland Park community, which she describes as “like a family,” for their donations and social media advocacy. “It’s so thrilling to be a part of this. It makes me feel like it would be crazy to give up,” she said. “I’m being persistent because this is now my dream. I can’t wait until the space is open.”
The funds raised will address critical needs for the shop, including electrical panel upgrades, HVAC rerouting, plumbing rework, and the installation of a grease interceptor. Additional plans include building an ADA-compliant bathroom, outfitting the kitchen, creating a dining area, and installing a service counter, scooping station, and outdoor seating. Mensing also aims to honor the neighborhood’s history by designing the space to reflect the vibrant community spirit of the 1960s and 1970s.
Beyond the Kickstarter campaign, Mensing has invested her own savings and secured grants from the City of Des Moines and other awards to support the project. She hopes to open Scoops by Beth by this summer, offering a welcoming space for the community to enjoy her unique ice cream creations.
Donors to the campaign can receive rewards based on their contribution levels, ranging from t-shirts to the opportunity to create and name their own ice cream flavor. Mensing remains optimistic, stating that even if the fundraiser falls short, she is committed to eventually opening her shop in Highland Park.
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