One night Pam Crawford and her friend Bill Cuva were chatting about what career they would choose if they could start over again. Crawford, who had been working in the cosmetology industry for 35 years, and Cuva, who had been in the car business, answered almost simultaneously: an ice-cream stand. In what might be some sort of record, the two fulfilled their dream just three short months later when they opened What's ‘Ur Scoop in Panorama Plaza in Penfield in late May.

"They say it takes a village, and that's exactly what it was," Crawford says about getting the new business ready. "We had all of our friends and family - electricians, plumbers, painters - working 16-hour days so that we could be open in time for the busy summer season. It was incredible."

The new ice cream stand has big shoes to fill, occupying one of the original late-1950's art deco-style Carvel Ice Cream buildings (which operated in Penfield for more than 30 years) and, more recently, an Abbott's Frozen Custard. But the owners are already making their mark by providing quality ice cream and a welcoming environment - one that extends to customers' four-legged friends.

In addition to a long menu of ice cream flavors (made by Gifford's out of Maine), homemade toppings made fresh by Crawford herself, shakes, floats and more, What's ‘Ur Scoop also offers a specialty dish called the "Scoop Doggie," an all-natural vanilla frozen yogurt topped with a wholesome organic dog biscuit. The ice cream stand even features a self-refilling water bowl outside to keep patrons' dogs cool and happy while their owners socialize.

"Bill and I are ‘people' people, and we really want this to be a destination where people feel comfortable to come meet friends and stay awhile," says Crawford. "So far, we've been successful."

What's ‘Ur Scoop is located at 1601 Penfield Rd. It is open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. from summer through late fall, depending on the weather. For more information, visit whatsurscoop.com.

Local exchange

Downtown dwellers and lunchers will be happy to know that the space formerly occupied by the Corn Hill Market (which closed in December) has a new tenant - or rather, several new tenants. The old space has actually been divided in half. The still-vacant portion is rumored to be part of an expansion project by current neighbor, Panzari's Italian Bistro; the now-occupied side houses the Corn Hill Exchange Market, one part upscale convenience mart, one part co-op of local food dealers.

The new business opened early May and features local foods such as gelato from Orien's Café, pierogies from The Pierogie Guy, and baked goods from Small World Bakery. In addition, the market offers produce purchased from the Public Market and refrigerators stocked with other local goods, like Zweigle's Hots and Lorraine's Gourmet Frozen Meals.

Corn Hill Exchange Market is located at 315 Exchange Blvd. It is open daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call 454-6333‎.

You're a good man...

When Charlie Brown's on North Goodman Street closed last year (after going through a change in ownership in 2007), many people feared they would never have the opportunity to visit the popular Rochester eatery again. Fortunately, the diner's doors have reopened as of June 14. The restaurant's new owner, Aleksandar Illievsky, has been in the restaurant business for more than 14 years, most notably and recently as the owner and operator of Bay Hots in Webster. Illievsky has been advertising that he's bringing Charlie Brown's "back to the original way."

Charlie Brown's is located at 495 N Goodman St. It is open for breakfast and lunch daily 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For more information, call 325-4121.

Island in the city

Jamaican restaurant Shirley's Island Cuisine celebrated its grand opening last month. Owner Shirley Carter was born and raised in Jamaica and moved to New York City in 1985. In 1987 she came to Rochester to visit a friend, fell in love with the city, and soon relocated. Carter opened the Caribbean Yard on North Street in 1996, which she owned and operated for 13 years before deciding to open up the new Shirley's Island Cuisine downtown for more exposure.

The menu features many Jamaican favorites, including oxtails, beef patties, jerk and curry chicken, brown stew chicken or steak, and more. Shirley's offers a daily lunch special of curry chicken and brown stew chicken for $5.95 and a dinner special of any two entrees (excluding oxtails and seafood) for $22. Lunch prices range from $6 to $14 and dinner prices range from $11 to $15.

Shirley's Island Cuisine is located at 17 E. Main St. It is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 12:30-8 p.m. For more information, call 454-0408 or visit shirleysislandcuisine.net.

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