03/30/12 Mancino’s owner, Tony Gamble, loves the idea of offering pizza and ice cream in the same store. Gamble said he had approached Hershey’s Ice Cream a number of times about having their products available in his restaurant on Miller Drive in Plymouth, but his location is several miles out of their service area. However, when he came up with the idea of converting the 1,500 square foot party room space of Mancino’s into an ice cream parlor, Hershey’s said “yes”.
Officially the ice cream portion of the store opened last Friday. Gamble said the product line is “amazing”. With 32 flavors to choose from with varying amounts of butterfat, Gamble said his customers will easily find their favorite.
In addition to scoops in cups and cones, the ice cream shop offers extras such as smoothies, shakes, waffle cones, Italian ices and Blenjava (coffee flavored shake.). Two flavors are sugar-free.
Gamble said they now have a staff of 20 after hiring four new employees to help in the ice cream parlor. Helping Gamble reach his dream is his wife Faith who works in the business. Gamble said they make sure she can leave each day to pick up their three sons ages14, 11 and 6 from school. Right now, Gamble is working seven days a week and will continue the pace until he is satisfied that the new addition is running smoothly.
Gamble moved Mancino’s to the present location off Pioneer Drive in June of 2009 after operating for tow years in the Kroger Plaza.
He said he essentially grew up in the restaurant business. He started with Quality Dining (Burger King) when he was just 17 as a crew member and advanced to a manager of three stores during his 15 years with the company.
Gamble said, “We believe 100 percent in the community.” “This is where I live and we want our service and foods to be perfect.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
