Summer’s has been scooping up the most incredible natural ice cream in Yorkville since 1991, and now, the iconic parlour is getting a makeover.

Plans are underway for public washrooms (the current ones are located in the back parking area), as well as a new customer service area.

“We’re also freshening up the space, repainting the entire store, adding new tables and redoing the sign boards,” says shop owner Ron Tolkey, who added that Summer’s had just renewed its five-year lease, hence the renovations.

Founded by Len and Helka Tolkey in 1984, Summer’s started as a small storefront on Cumberland Street — a tradition in Helka’s family that began in Czechoslovakia in the late 1930s. The couple’s eldest son, Ron, eventually took over the business and over the last 25 years he’s seen the family business expand from one location to four — including a retail and production hub in the west end. The shops eventually amalgamated to a single storefront on Yorkville Avenue.

Tolkey also says he hopes to expand with a new store either in Oakville or at King and Portland.

“There’s a row of restaurants there where I think we’d do well,” he says. The shop closes each year during the winter season, and Tolkey says customers are already asking when they’ll be able to get their mitts on a delicious cone.

“There’s always a lot of hype in the springtime for us,” Tolkey says, adding that new flavours are in the works, including pina colada and pineapple as well as more smoothie offerings.

Summer’s is located at 101 Yorkville Ave.