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Local ice cream aficionados can breathe a sigh of relief — Mike’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop in Port Neches reopened its doors this past weekend under new ownership.

“We’re so excited to get this going again,” owner Daviss LaBove said. “We’ve only been open for one weekend, and we already got to talk with a lot of people to get some feedback.”

LaBove, a Port Neches-Groves graduate, has frequented the iconic location since its opening 12 years ago. She used to walk there from her nearby childhood home to buy ice cream at the retro-styled shop. Now, she gets to provide the same experience for her community.

The ownership group includes LaBove; her fiance, Jeremy Hebert; and Hebert’s parents.  About a year ago, they asked previous owner and shop namesake Michael Lisotta whether he would be open to selling his business. 

Around two months ago, Lisotta decided it was time to pass the torch and went ahead with the sale. LaBove said she knows how much Lisotta loves the location and is going to ensure it remains a local staple.

“For us, the community is definitely the most important thing,” LaBove said. “This is something that we’re able to give back to the community and get connected with.”

LaBove said there is a vision for the new venture.

The new ownership group has already changed the ice cream shop’s operating hours to be more accommodating, a frequent request from the community over the years. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The owners would like to expand the business hours again in the future. 

Beyond that, they want to ensure the shop has year-round reach — nothing is set in stone, but ideas include pumpkin spice products in the fall, as well as hot cocoa and other holiday favorites in the winter months.

“Our vision is to make it a place where people can just come hang out,” LaBove said. “We put rocking chairs out front. We want it to be a place people can come sit and enjoy themselves rather than just picking up ice cream, grabbing a bite and leaving. The goal is a very nostalgic vibe in there where people can enjoy themselves and relax.”

Mike’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop held a soft reopening July 27, at which they gave out ice cream and merchandise to the community.