Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Gayatin
Hi Benjamin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ben Scoops is the only ice cream destination in Southern California that exclusively serves Mitchell’s Ice Cream in San Francisco. SoCal fans of the iconic artisanal ice cream from San Francisco will be pleased to know that they can now get a scoop (or more) of their favorite Mitchell’s flavors at Ben Scoops in Carson City.
Ben Scoops is owned and managed by Ben Gayatin with the support of his wife, Carmela and their two sons. Ben was born and raised in the Philippines but has been based in the Los Angeles area for the last 30 years. One of the things that Ben (and his sweet tooth) had always missed about home was Filipino ice cream in distinctly local flavors, like mango and ube (purple yam), which was why he was thrilled to discover Mitchell’s on a trip to San Francisco in the early 2000s.
One bite of Mitchell’s best-selling mango flavor and Ben was hooked. He then learned that Mitchell’s mango ice cream was made with mangoes flown in from the Philippines. No wonder the taste brought him home.
For the last 20 years, Ben had been making the 400-mile drive to Mitchell’s in the Bay Area to satisfy his ice cream cravings. Now, other Mitchell’s fans in Southern California no longer have to travel far as Ben Scoops becomes the first ice cream shop to bring Mitchell’s Ice Cream to their doorstep.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just like any other brick-and-mortar store, there are always some struggles and obstacles we all face. But what matters most to me is seeing the joy of our customers who come to the store and how much they appreciate the ice cream. To me, that is the most satisfying part.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Customer service has always been my strength. (I just love talking to people.) When I migrated to the US in 1990, I worked in the parking industry as a valet attendant and worked my way up to a portfolio manager. I have continued working in the same industry for 30+ years (The only industry I’ve worked in since I migrated to this country). Aside from the fantastic product, what sets me apart is my approach towards the customers. I treat the customers first with utmost respect, and the same goes for my employees.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis is the darkest moment for all of us. To me, it is a blessing because that is when I was allowed to bring Mitchell’s products ice cream here to SoCal. During the pandemic, I traveled to San Francisco and picked up half a gallon to take home. One night, I was sitting in the garage eating ice cream. I told myself how amazing the ice cream was, and that is when I told myself to make another phone call to Mitchell’s one more time, and that is when somehow I got connected with the general manager and told them about how I have known Mitchell’s ice cream as customer in early 2000s and have called numerous time over the pasts 15 some years, Somehow, he was intrigued with my story and that is when he had allowed me to bring the product here in SoCal. I never thought this would happen to me, especially after numerous phone calls and been turned down for more than 15 years. COVID-19 pandemic is something that I will always remember. Because of that, I have a fear of being laid off or losing my job, and that is when I think of having a business, knowing that I have a family to feed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://benscoops.com
- Instagram: @benscoopsicecream
- Facebook: Ben Scoops
- Yelp: Ben Scoops
- Other: TikTok
