Warmer weather has people lining up for a cool summer treat

With the temperatures rising, so is the demand for anything to cool off Saskatoon residents.

That includes ice cream shops, where customers have flocked to get a scoop or two of the summertime snack.

Homestead Ice Cream & Novelties only shut its doors for a day and a half through the COVID-19 pandemic, according to owner Allen Malberg.

“That was just to get our bearings together, (to) get things set up for customers, (and) for ourselves,” he told 650 CKOM Wednesday.

“I feel that we are one of the more blessed and lucky places in the country, or even in the province. I have zero room for complaints.”

When you drive past the Victoria Ave. location, the lineups usually look a bit intimidating. But, with social distancing rules set at 10 feet per group, Malberg says the lineup may not be as long as it looks.

“The distance here would also make it look longer and bigger than it really is,” he explained. “(Customers say) sometimes it’s actually faster with the pandemic to be served.”

Homestead isn’t allowing the public into the store until September, according to Malberg. They are allowing up to 14 people on the patio, where customers can be served in one of six different stations.

Malberg says through the pandemic, there have been plans to redo the menu, along with getting a food truck going and set up across Saskatoon.

Still, Malberg reiterated that they are doing all they can to ensure a great experience for all customers.

“Give us a break, like every other restaurant, we’re doing our best and we’re trying our best… like everybody else, to make (the experience) as normal as it was before – make it as smooth as it was before.”