In St. Inez, Scoops and Shakes is a go-to hangout spot, known for its creative flavours and warm vibe. Manoj Shet built it from a small soda stall into a local favourite. The Goan explores his journey, the risks, challenges, and passion behind it all
Located in St. Inez, Panaji, ‘Scoops and Shakes’ has quickly earned its reputation as a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. Known for its cosy and colourful setting, the café is often filled with youngsters sipping on refreshing shakes and indulging in flavourful burgers, making it a lively hub for casual meet-ups and quick bites.
Humble beginnings
What began 15 years ago as a small soda stall at Caculo Mall has now blossomed into one of Panaji’s hangouts. The heart of this success story lies in the hands of Manoj Shet and his wife, Sangeeta, whose unique approach to business has built them a loyal following.
A bold gamble
Manoj’s journey to success was nothing short of a gamble. Coming from a middle-class family with limited financial backing, he took a bold step by using his original college certificates as collateral to secure a loan. With just ₹10,000 in his bank account, he set out to pursue his dream. "It was a complete risk," Manoj recalls, "but I never gave up. Every small success led me to believe that tomorrow could be better."
The menu
Scoops and Shakes serves up milkshakes like Oreo, Brownie Nutella, and Twix, alongside burgers, momos, fries, and more. Sweet treats include Majestic Falooda and Brownie Hazelnut, while refreshing mojitos, slushes, and Cad B specials add to the mix. Fresh juices like Kiwi, Lemon, and Very Berry complete the menu.
Passion for flavours
The passion for experimenting with flavours started in his teen years. “I loved making different kinds of cold coffees, mojitos, shakes, and lemon sodas," he says. "I thought, when I grow up, this is what I want to do." And so, Scoops and Shakes was born; a place that offered not just drinks but an experience.
Customer-centric approach
Manoj and Sangeeta’s dedication to customer interaction set them apart from the competition. While many businesses in the food industry overlook individual customer preferences, they make sure to tailor their drinks and food items to the exact tastes of their clientele. “In this business, every person is different. You might like sweet, I might like very bitter or spicy. In our business, what we do is, we ask our customers, do you like sweet, spicy, or you like tangy? And we create the product according to your taste buds. We have 10 different sauces for burgers to cater to everyone,” Manoj explains.
Quality and innovation
His philosophy is clear: the key to success is understanding the customer. Whether it’s a shake or a burger, every dish is personalised, offering a variety of flavours from sweet to spicy to tangy, all crafted with attention. This attention to detail and the use of 99% ice cream in their milkshakes instead of ice and sugar ensures the highest quality and flavour.
A welcoming space
Beyond the menu, Scoops and Shakes is known for its cosy ambience, making it a welcoming space for friends to unwind. Manoj has ensured customers stay entertained by incorporating board games, puzzles, and interactive activities like magic tricks. "We have a variety of games, group games, fun games, couple games, and puzzles. We even do magic tricks to keep customers entertained. Our café is small, but we make sure that everyone who walks in feels engaged and wants to return," he shares.
A team effort
Five years into the journey, Manoj’s wife, Sangeeta, joined the business, bringing her expertise in food. Together, they introduced burgers to the menu. “Sangeeta was very supportive. She left her job and joined me in running the café. She took charge of the food, while I focused on beverages,” Manoj explains. The couple works in tandem, handling events together and running the café as a team.
Ahead of competition
Despite facing intense competition with many new vendors attempting to replicate his concept and recipes, Manoj remains focused on innovation and staying ahead of the curve. "If your product is good and your customer service is on point, the competition doesn’t matter," he says with a smile.
Expanding reach
Over the years, Scoops and Shakes has expanded its presence, becoming a staple at local events, including government and school festivals. "We are part of almost every major event in Goa," Manoj shares. And through it all, the couple’s commitment to quality and customer connection has helped them build a loyal clientele many of whom have been coming back for over a decade.
Secret to success
Manoj credits patience and perseverance as the key factors behind his success "In this business, you have to be patient. You might not see results immediately, but if your product is good, success will come."
Advice for entrepreneurs
For anyone looking to start their own venture, Manoj advises focusing on gradual growth and persistence. “Start small, and never give up. Every business, whatever you start, be patient. If your product is good, you will definitely grow in three years of time or four years,” he says.
