By Kelly Youngblood
An ice cream shop, game store and an upscale consignment boutique have joined the Mahomet business community. A look at each of the newcomers:
The Main Scoop
Coming this fall, The Main Scoop will open for business at 403 E. Main Street. Owned by Jessica and Nick Hanson of Mahomet, the new ice cream parlor will serve 20 different flavors of hand-dipped ice cream in a vibrantly fun atmosphere.
Jessica Hanson, who is also a realtor with the Nate Evans Group, said her family would often find themselves driving to Champaign for ice cream and decided they wanted to open something in Mahomet.
“We live and work here and want to have something for our community, (a place) to come and relax and just enjoy ice cream,” she said.
The Hansons are excited to open a business right in the heart of downtown Mahomet and hope The Main Scoop will be a date destination, after school hangout and just a place for the community to enjoy. Their current goal is to be up and running by November of 2021.
Jessica says they will offer dairy-free and dye-free options and also plan to provide online ordering to better serve the community.
For more information about The Main Scoop, you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram or email themainscoopmahomet@gmail.com.
Rad Lad Games
After a decade in the insurance business, Andy Clodfelter of Monticello decided to give it up and follow his dream of owning a game business.
Clodfelter opened Rad Lad Games, located at 415 E. Main Street, just a few doors down from The Main Scoop, in August of 2021.
Rad Lad Games is a unique shop that includes tabletop games for collectible card game enthusiasts, role playing games, board games, and miniature games.
Clodfelter, who has alway loved role play games and board games, admits opening the shop was always a pipe dream. However, he had been saving money for a long time “just in case.”
He says the pandemic gave him the nudge he needed to move forward with his dream.
“The pandemic had me reevaluate and had me take a chance and do something new,” he said.
In addition to keeping a full inventory of games on the shelves, Clodfelter also wants to connect people and give them a place to play games.
A schedule of events, including game nights, can be found on the Rad Lad Games Facebook and Instagram pages.
Briella’s Boutique
Briella’s Boutique in Savoy, open since 2010, has now expanded and opened a second location in Mahomet.
Briella’s Boutique in Mahomet, located in Eastwood Center where the NAPA Auto Parts store used to be, opened on July 9, 2021.
Customers familiar with the Savoy location can find similar items at the 3,300 square foot Mahomet store, including name-brand clothing for women, men, juniors, children, infants and maternity. In addition, upscale handbags, shoes, and jewelry are available.
Briella’s is the joint effort of sister-in-laws Elaine Remole and Brittney Remole. The pair had been talking about opening a second location with the hope of serving another community.
“We knew Mahomet would be a great fit for a consignment store,” said Elaine Remole, who lives in Mahomet with her husband and two daughters.
Elaine, who has worked in consignment and retail for nearly 20 years, said she has a passion for the business.
One of her favorite aspects is, “Just not knowing what’s going to come in next.”
She also appreciates the relationships she’s built with customers and consignors over the years. “They become a part of our family,” she said.
Anyone interested in consigning is advised to make an appointment in advance.