What happened to this Fresno Baskin-Robbins? It’s got a new name and soon, a new look
The Baskin-Robbins franchise at Bullard and West avenues has a new name and a new owner.
Now, it’s an independent business called Scoops.
A 22-year-old real estate agent whose hobbies are investing and body building — both relate to the business — has taken over the ice cream shop.
Karan “K.G.” Gill, a 2019 Buchanan High School grad, is planning some big changes to the spot later this year.
It’s no longer a franchise of the international company with more than 2,300 locations. It’s a mom-and-pop using new suppliers, but still serving ice cream, cakes and more.
“That place needs a change,” Gill said. “We want to go for a place where people can come and enjoy sitting.”
After Thanksgiving, he plans to renovate, adding more and nicer seating inside and out. He wants to add more lighting, music and maybe special events such as Sunday Night Football on a projector.
“It will look a lot different,” he said. “Now we can have it more like a hangout area so younger people can come.”
The ice cream comes from a different company now, but still has all the popular flavors, such as vanilla and cookies and cream. Coffee almond fudge and pistachio nut are particularly popular, though Gill’s favorite is monster cookie, with peanut butter, M&M’s and chocolate.
When all is said and done, Scoops will have 28 flavors instead of the typical 31 of its predecessor.
Gill is a real estate agent and when the previous Baskin-Robbins franchise owner wanted out, he planned to help him list the lease for sale.
That was the plan for about week, and then the wheels in Gill’s head started turning.
“I always wanted to own a business,” he said. “I saw it as an opportunity to take over the shop and turn it into my own business.”
Gill started investing in the stock market when he was 17, and eventually made enough to buy his first property at 22 and fund the changes at the ice cream shop.
He also recently competed in a body building competition. Now, he’s brainstorming ways to incorporate fitness — perhaps add protein shakes to the menu — into the business.
Scoops, at 1731 W. Bullard Ave., is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
What’s happening with Baskin-Robbins?
Baskin-Robbins locations have been undergoing changes about as often as seasonal ice cream flavors are showing up on the menu.
For example, the location on West Shaw Avenue closed last month, citing rising costs. The ice cream parlor next to the library at Cedar and Shields avenues is boarded up and closed too.
The location at Shepherd and Cedar avenues is temporarily closed, according to its website. A building permit application filed with the City of Fresno details Baskin-Robbins’ plans to move into a former Sally Beauty Supply in the same center.
The company did not return messages seeking comment about why the Fresno stores have closed or when the northeast location might reopen.
Late last year, Baskin-Robbins announced it was closing all its locations in the Philippines.
The company, which became privately owned in 2020, is rebranding with a new logo, uniforms and packaging. Some stores are remodeling with a more modern design and digital menu boards.
There are still eight Baskin-Robbins open in the Fresno-Clovis area.
