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Cherry On Top Shake Shop becomes Penticton’s newest dessert spot

The shop is owned by the former operators of the Penticton Peach
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Diana Stirling opened the Cherry on Top Shake Shop for the first time at 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon at 1029 Lakeshore Drive in Penticton. (Logan Lockhart- Western News)

The former operators of the Penticton Peach opened a brand-new ice cream shop on Friday, just a five-minute walk away from their previous location.

The Cherry On Top Shake Shop at 1029 Lakeshore Drive became the city’s newest dessert spot on May 20 after the owners were outbid to operate out of the iconic Penticton landmark in April.

A rebrand of the business followed “out of necessity” but the frozen treats that so many have become familiar with aren’t going anywhere.

“Same delicious menu, but now a different location,” said Diana Stirling, the owner of the shop.

Stirling, who served up her signature treats out of the lakefront stand for seven years, was outbid by more than 60 per cent by Calgary-based company Family Squeezed Lemonade.

READ ALSO: Calgary-based company offered over 60% more than locals on Penticton Peach bid

The city faced public backlash over the decision to award the fixed three-year operating agreement to a company not based in Penticton.

“When we found out that we lost the other location, the number one thing was that we didn’t want to lose any jobs for our staff,” Stirling said. “So, our goal was to turn this around and get it open for May long weekend.”

Stirling transformed her peach-themed business into a cherry-themed one within four weeks. Making adjustments, though, is all part of being an entrepreneur.

“Truthfully, the reason we were able to turn this around so quickly was that anytime we asked for any help from the community, everyone said yes,” she explained.

Despite the rebrand, the shop’s menu stayed the same with the addition of one new special milkshake.

“We have a crazy shake now called the Cherry Bomb,” Stirling said. “It’s a chocolate milkshake with a black forest cake and of course, a cherry on top.”

Within 10 minutes of opening its doors, the city’s newest shop was almost full of customers.

“You’re always so nervous right before you open something…I’m just so relieved now,” Stirling said with a laugh.

Penticton’s Cherry on Top Shake Shop officially opened on Lakeshore Drive, just five minutes away from where the business owners used to operate — the iconic Penticton Peach.
Penticton’s Cherry on Top Shake Shop officially opened on Lakeshore Drive, just five minutes away from where the business owners used to operate — the iconic Penticton Peach.


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com

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