A scoop of nostalgia

Totally 80s Ice Ice Cream Shoppe serves up sweet treats, memories

SALEM -- What began as an idea on a couch after the loss of a part-time job has grown into a thriving family business that is bringing smiles, memories and a taste of nostalgia to communities across the Mahoning Valley.

Mike and Melissa Thorpe, owners of Totally 80s Ice Ice Cream Shop, opened their first location in Salem on April 20, 2024, inside Courtyard Square at 657 E. State St. The couple never imagined that a business initially intended to provide supplemental income would become a family passion and a local destination.

"We began dreaming together," Melissa said. "It was meant to be a side income for me, but Mike and I fell in love with the reception it got and the whole business. It became our passion and much more."

The shop's unique concept grew from the couple's shared love of the 1980s.

"Those were our childhood memories," Melissa said. "Things seemed slower and less busy. We miss the simpler times."

That sense of nostalgia is evident throughout the shop. Visitors are greeted by retro décor, classic games, memorabilia and countless reminders of a decade that continues to resonate with people of all ages.

The playful name, Totally 80s Ice Ice Cream Shop, is a nod to the 1990 hit song "Ice Ice Baby."

"We wanted something catchy and didn't want to take ourselves too seriously," Melissa said with a laugh.

From the beginning, the response exceeded expectations.

"We were blown away by the crowds and the reception," she said.

Unlike a traditional ice cream parlor, the Thorpes have focused on creating an experience as much as a destination for dessert. Guests can enjoy free games, interactive displays and opportunities to relive childhood memories.

Popular attractions include digital infinity game boards loaded with classic games, Etch-A-Sketches and even a Michael Jackson-inspired display complete with coat, hat and glove for aspiring moonwalkers.

"We really get to know our customers," Melissa said. "So many have become personal friends."

The nostalgic atmosphere appeals not only to adults who grew up during the 1980s but also to younger generations.

"Watching grandparents and parents share the atmosphere with their kids and grandchildren is awesome," she said. "The kids love the games and the experience."

Ice cream, of course, remains at the center of the business.

The Thorpes serve Hershey's hand-dipped ice cream, a favorite Melissa discovered during childhood camping trips to the Allegheny National Forest. They have also partnered with Baker's Golden Dairy, allowing them to offer unique flavors such as penuche, black walnut and bubble gum.

Among the shop's most popular flavors are Cappuccino Crunch, Peanut Butter Pie, Banana Pudding, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle. Younger customers often gravitate toward Superman and Cotton Candy.

The shop has also gained attention for its creative specialty offerings, including the "Mt. St. Helen," billed as Ohio and Michigan's largest milkshake at 110 ounces, and a giant Rubik's Cube-inspired flight featuring nine different ice cream flavors.

As the business has grown, so has its footprint. The Thorpes recently expanded to additional locations and have begun franchising opportunities. Their Austintown location was recently sold as a franchise to a couple who previously managed the Salem store.

"We want future locations to have the same passion and dedication we give Salem," Melissa said.

Community involvement has also become a cornerstone of the business. The Thorpes regularly support organizations such as Nina's Closet, Shine Your Light, Clothed in Strength and local food banks.

"When we started, we said let's be part of the community in a win-win mentality," Melissa said. "If you genuinely love and believe in your community, it will do the same for you."

Some of the shop's most memorable moments have come through interactions with customers.

One story that remains especially meaningful involved a hospice worker searching for a Shamrock Shake for a patient nearing the end of life.

"McDonald's didn't have them anymore," Melissa recalled. "She said it was the patient's last wish."

The shop created a custom mint-flavored shake, and later learned the patient enjoyed it.

"That really moved us and motivated us," she said.

Another customer shared memories of bringing ice cream home to his wife for years before she passed away. Visiting the shop helped him reconnect with those cherished moments.

Stories like these continue to inspire the Thorpes.

"Seeing people happy is addicting," Melissa said. "That's what keeps us motivated."

For the couple, success is measured by more than sales or expansion.

"We want people to feel welcome when they walk through the door," Melissa said. "We want them to get away from today's world for a few minutes."

As families gather around ice cream cones, challenge each other to retro games and reminisce about decades past, the Thorpes see their original vision coming to life.

"It means the world to us," Melissa said. "We're just getting started. If this business continues to grow, the signs won't be fancy things or expensive trips. The signs will be helping people and making a difference."

For Mike and Melissa Thorpe, Totally 80s Ice Ice Cream Shop is more than a business. It is a place where memories are shared, new traditions are created and, for a little while, visitors can step back into a simpler time.