A fresh addition to Riverside’s vibrant dining and shopping scene is on the horizon with the impending launch of Screaming Cat Ice Cream & Coffee.
Located at 2700 Park St., this venture marks the inaugural retail venture for Isaac and Elenis Camargo, owners of Thirdstone Properties, a firm specializing in real estate investment and residential property management. Situated beneath their Thirdstone Properties offices near southwest Park and King streets, Screaming Cat joins a bustling culinary landscape that includes popular eateries like Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint and European Street Cafe.
Originally from Miami and alumni of the University of Florida, the Camargos embarked on this entrepreneurial journey after stints in Brooklyn, New York. Despite lacking prior restaurant experience, Isaac Camargo expressed confidence in their ability to succeed, drawing parallels to their successful property management business.
Screaming Cat will feature a rotating menu of 24 ice cream flavors, with both staple and specialty options available by scoop in bowls or cones, including house-made waffle cones. The menu will extend to sundaes, floats, malts, and affogato—a blend of gelato, espresso, and liqueur.
The ice cream, sourced from Madison, Wisconsin-based Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co., is renowned for its denser texture achieved by incorporating less air during production. In addition to dairy options, Screaming Cat will offer nondairy alternatives, such as oat milk-based chocolate chip ice cream.
The shop’s name derives from their vocal cat, Onyx, whose antics during an ice cream tasting inspired the moniker. Complementing their ice cream offerings, Screaming Cat will serve coffee sourced from Jacksonville’s Pura Bean Coffee Co., known for lighter roasts and a variety of flavorings, utilizing half-and-half instead of milk.
Designed by Thomas Duke Architect and managed by Alta Land & Contract, Inc., the establishment is undergoing construction with an estimated budget of $140,000. Scheduled to operate initially from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, the goal is to eventually open at 8 a.m. for early morning coffee enthusiasts.
Despite a delay due to permitting, the Camargos remain optimistic about their summer debut, emphasizing the Florida climate as conducive to year-round business. With plans to hire a full-time manager and 10-12 part-time staff, they anticipate Screaming Cat Ice Cream & Coffee becoming a beloved fixture in Riverside.
Beyond their professional endeavors, the Camargos look forward to creating a family-friendly atmosphere, envisioning their children growing up amidst the joys of owning an ice cream shop.
