ROCHELLE — On Thursday, a ribbon cutting was held for Royal Scoop, Rochelle’s newest ice cream shop at 316 N. 6th St. 

The business is owned by Jon and Marcela Nuyen, who also own Zig Zag Antiques & More. The space Royal Scoop now occupies was formerly All Things New & Used Furniture. Royal Scoop is open noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday and serves over 25 flavors of ice cream and more.

The ribbon cutting Thursday featured remarks from Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Herrera, Mayor John Bearrows and the Nuyens.

“This is a celebration for Rochelle and the downtown area,” Herrera said. “We met with the owners many months ago about the idea. They put a lot of hard work into it. What a transformation the space has undergone. Royal Scoop is a hit on social media. Everyone is following them and taking pictures and posting them. Thank you guys so much. We always say that when you open a business, we know you can put it anywhere and we're always very happy that you choose Rochelle. We wish you nothing but the best.”

Bearrows also thanked the Nuyens for choosing Rochelle for their businesses.

“You now have a partnership with the chamber and the city.” Bearrows said. “Anything you need as a business can be talked about with us. As we did during the pandemic, we're here to support our small businesses and large businesses alike. We're supportive of programs that help them. Don't be a stranger to the chamber or the city. Welcome to Rochelle and this is a great use of existing space.”

The Nuyens moved to Creston about three years ago and looked at investing in real estate and businesses in the local area. That’s how they got started with Zig Zag Antiques & More before buying the space that Royal Scoop now occupies.

“We wanted something more,” Jon Nuyen said. “We looked around and wanted to do something to give back to the community that it doesn't have. We thought about ice cream. I guess it was a good choice. It's unfolding now. With the help of the city and chamber and everybody, we're doing it. It's been an uphill battle, but it happened pretty quick. We'd like to thank everyone for being supportive of us. We'll be here for you to give something back to the community. Just like it's given us.”