Part of the reason for the extended wait is Love Boat’s focus on customer service. “When people make it to our counter, we give their decision. It’s about great ice cream and great service.” That great ice cream is made
daily, following original recipes that date back over 50 years, choreographed by the capable hands of Jenny Roberts who’s led Love Boat’s homemade production for almost two decades. In season, that can amount to more than 100 two-gallon tubs each day — led by fan favorites Butter Pecan, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Coconut Almond Fudge. Love Boat also offers sundaes, shakes, malts, sorbets (for the lactose intolerant) and freezies (sorbets blended with fresh fruit). And while Love Boat can be found on the menu of select restaurants in the area, Jenny Borst encourages the full immersive experience. “Standing in line is kind of a thing with those who know us and love us,” she explains. “If they come in here and there’s no line, well, some of them are disappointed!” NO LIE: PINOCCHIO’S IS GREAT TomandDonna Puma began vacationing to Sanibel Island in 1984 when their daughter Stephanie was just six weeks old, enjoying regular excursions to the islands amid the comfort of their East End timeshare only a few steps from Pinocchio’s Ice Cream, an evening treat they would frequent with great regularity (when they weren’t vacationing at their North Captiva home). Those years, Tom led a highly successful dental practice inNewYork, while Donna traveled the world as a global consultant for IBM. It was a wonderful life, but a hectic one — until then, opportunities began to knock. The first came when Tom was unexpectedly approached to sell his dental practice to an associate —which he did, prompting his retirement “for exactly one year.” They moved full time to Sanibel, while Donna continued her rigorous travel schedule. And then, one day, Tom discovered that Pinocchio’s was for sale. And opportunity having knocked again, this time Donna answered too, as the Pumas in 2007 became the proud new owners of Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream.
Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream
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