Robb and Tricia Winiecki have been fans of Royal Scoop ice cream and friends with the founders of the Naples-based ice cream chain for years. Now, the Winieckis own their own Royal Scoop ice cream shop.

Royal Scoop opened Sept. 20 at Estero Crossing shopping center in Estero.

“Before, we owned a nonmedical, home care business in Naples,” Robb Winiecki said. “We owned that for 14 years and sold that in 2022.

“We decided we wanted to do something a little bit more … is fun the right word?”

“Light-hearted,” Tricia Winiecki said. “Let’s do something happy.”

CarbonSix Construction completed the buildout of the 1,477-square-foot store within 10 weeks, installing the indoor seating and kitchen equipment.

The Winieckis agreed to buy at least 30 rotating flavors of Royal Scoop ice cream in return for being allowed to use the brand. The store will employ about 20 people. One scoop of ice cream costs a little more than $5. Cones, sundaes and shakes are on the menu, as well.

Flavors range from the expected chocolate, vanilla and cookies & cream to the unique, including Death by Peanut Butter, Rum & Raisin and Brownie Batter.

Tricia Winiecki is dedicating the store to her late father, Jack Ufheil, who died last year.

“He ate ice cream every day,” she said. “Vanilla with chocolate sauce. Or just plain chocolate.”

The family has lived in the Estero area for the past 20 years.

“We always knew Royal Scoop was the answer for us,” Robb Winiecki said.

Royal Scoop originated in 1979 in Naples. The Estero location marks the brand’s fifth.

“Everybody in the area knows Royal Scoop,” Robb Winiecki said. “Estero is ready and large enough to support this location.”