About Us

ScoopDaddy's was founded in 1998 by two local Sarasota businessmen and was originally named "i. Magnet" due to the emphasis on refrigerator magnets. i. Magnet was a smashing success. To expand on that success the two owners added fun gifts, focused more on nostalgia and took the store to the next level by introducing gourmet ice cream, soft drinks and retro candies, all set in a fabulous fifties atmosphere reminiscent of the old fashioned soda fountain days. At that time the name was changed to ScoopDaddy's to reflect the high energy of the 50's and 60's and to appeal to vacationing and permanent resident baby boomers that grew up during those exciting times.

In June of 2001 the current owners, Mike and Cheryl Whitten had become weary of the hassles of corporate life in Atlanta and decided to return to Sarasota (where they had met and married 19 years prior). In Atlanta Mike held senior level positions with various franchise companies in the food industry and Cheryl worked for Fortune 500 companies in the technology field. On one of their Sarasota visits to investigate housing and to search for a business for Cheryl, they were introduced to ScoopDaddy's and fell in love with the bright neon lights, the eclectic retail offerings, the super-premium ice cream and most of all, the music and the high energy of the place. Customers looked genuinely happy to be in the store and the employees seemed to be having a great time interacting with customers; all were obviously having a lot of fun. Within a few short weeks Cheryl and Mike became the excited new owners of a thriving business on world-famous St. Armands Circle.

Mike stayed in corporate life and Cheryl has dedicated all of her time and effort to ensure that the ScoopDaddy's retail experience continues to delight customers. In fact, she attends gift markets all over the country to make sure the product is the most unusual and appealing you can find in all of Sarasota. Cheryl was elected to the St. Armands Merchants Association Board, is a member of the Longboat Key – Lido Key – St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce and is active in all aspects of the store and the island retail community.

ScoopDaddy's is dedicated to providing the very best customer service, the best working environment for its associates, the best product offering and a high level of service to our community and neighbors. Come visit, we know you'll love the experience as much as we do.