Co-owner Tim Joyner fills a cup of ice cream for a customer at the Circle C Ranch shop. Co-owner Tim Joyner fills a cup of ice cream for a customer at the Circle C Ranch shop.[/caption]

Austin Scoops, a local ice cream shop and vendor in Circle C Ranch, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this month, serving cotton candy, birthday cake and roasted marshmallow ice cream at its brick-and-mortar store and in various restaurants in Austin.

But before opening Austin Scoops in July 2006, co-owner Tim Joyner and his wife, Susan, worked in the information technology industry, saving money to eventually retire and open a family-friendly business in Circle C.

Not having prior experience in the ice cream business, Tim said he had to learn not just the industry but also how to own and operate a small business.

Austin Scoops makes dog treats on-site. Premade cakes and ice cream sandwiches for human customers are also available in the freezer at the front of the store. Austin Scoops makes dog treats on-site. Premade cakes and ice cream sandwiches for human customers are also available in the freezer at the front of the store.[/caption]

“It’s been quite a struggle for 10 years–it’s been difficult,” Tim said. “Any time people ask me about leaving the corporate world to go to a small business, I ask them to think about the time and sacrifice it takes.”

Tim said it has taken Austin Scoops 10 years to get the business “successful and growing” with a clear vision for the future.

“We never seem to have enough staff; we never seem to have enough product, but it’s a fun place to be because we are in an upward trajectory with new customers and opportunities happening,” Joyner said.

Austin Scoops’ regular and seasonal ice cream flavors have been served outside its Circle C store at places including Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

Austin Scoops makes dog treats on-site. Premade cakes and ice cream sandwiches for human customers are also available in the freezer at the front of the store. Austin Scoops makes dog treats on-site. Premade cakes and ice cream sandwiches for human customers are also available in the freezer at the front of the store.[/caption]

The Joyners chose Circle C for their store because of the good people and good schools in the neighborhood, Tim said.

“There’s a lot of places we could have gone for half the price, but we wanted to be part of the [Circle C] community,” Tim said. “I think it’s the best decision we have ever made, honestly. I can’t imagine we would still be in business today if he had gone anywhere else.”

Austin Scoops, 9500 Escarpment Blvd., Ste. 900, Austin 512-535-4489 • www.austinscoops.com Hours: Sun.-Thu. noon-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-10 p.m.