Adam Stachecki, left, will at times assist his brother and owner Matthew at MomMom’s Ice Cream Shop in Dover. (Delaware State News/Craig Anderson)[/caption]

DOVER — Devoted Little Grocer customers won’t need to go far for a cool treat.

That’s because MomMom’s Ice Cream Shop is open for business next door, and owner Matthew Stachecki expects a lot of crossover traffic.

Helping out is brother Adam Stachecki, 22, manager of the family-owned Little Grocer. Besides assisting when needed at the new shop, he will help spread the word.

“I’m definitely going to let them know there’s great ice cream (just a few steps away) when they’re in the store,” he said.

After a soft opening on May 15, an official grand opening is set for Saturday. At the middle of last week, owner Matthew Stachecki, 25, said the startup business has averaged 75 customers a day so far.

The grand opening will feature free ice cream — hand dipped or soft serve — for any grandmother with any other ice cream purchase. Mr. Stachecki is considering hosting some sort of eating competition.

MomMom’s Ice Cream shop recently opened at 900 E. Division St. in Dover. (Delaware State News/Craig Anderson)[/caption]

There’s hope for up to 300 served a day, though just getting near the 1,000-square foot-shop at 900 E. Division Street could be an occasional challenge.

“If we’re successful, the biggest problem will be the parking,” said Mr. Stachecki, who has hired four servers to work behind the counter.

“The Little Grocer does get slammed at times.”

At least those are concerns regarding how to handle a business overflow.

“Word has been spreading that we’re here,” said Mr. Stachecki, who earned an agribusiness degree from Delaware State University.

“It’s been through word of mouth and a lot of Facebook posts, and possibly Clipper Magazine.”

The shop takes cash and all major credit cards, and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The owner said business has been a bit slow in the early hours so far, but remains open to catch the lunchtime crowd arriving at the Little Grocer for subs and other nourishment.

Upon arriving at MomMoms, patrons will have a vast choice of Hershey-made ice creams and the homemade creations of Mr. Stachecki. He’s made a bacon and marmalade flavor in the early days, among others.

Each week at least one homemade ice cream will be featured.

Hand-scooped and soft-serve ice cream is available, along with milkshakes, fruit smoothies and Italian water ice made with a two scoops of a homemade mix of strawberry, lemon, cherry and mango for $2.

The Stachecki family has operated the family grocer since 1984. Matthew Stachecki said his grandmother Jane brought up the idea of starting an ice cream venue.

After a hoped-for opening in 2014 didn’t materialize, Mr. Stachecki said he spent three months renovating the shop area.

As with Little Grocer, Mr. Stachecki aims to keep a mom-and-pop atmosphere at MomMoms.

“I love the personal approach to customers,” Mr. Stachecki.

Echoed his brother Adam, “When you go into a mom-and-pop store everyone is friendly and wants you to be there.”