Ji Moon Jang shown here with a new customer, has opened Moon-I Ice Cream featuring all organic ice cream and shakes. He wants to provide an alternative place for young people to stop by and enjoy a healthier alternative.
Moon-I Ice Cream, owned by Ji Moon Jang has opened inside Ali's Corner Gasco at 8856 35th Ave. s.w. The stand is set up on the north side of the convenience store/gas station, occupying the northwest corner. There are chairs and tables set up making it a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy some ice cream.
"I searched for a lot of things I might want to do in West Seattle," said Jang, "and I decided to settle on Ice Cream because nobody is selling waffle cone, organic ice cream here."
"My goal is to serve kids. I'm trying to make a space for them to rest. We will have free Wi-Fi and they could come here after school and study or just get some ice cream and relax." There will be a sofa, tables and chairs inside the store and on good weather days chairs will be outside too. He believes the proximity to the library and area schools mean a steady stream of customers.
Jang also plans to take photos of his customers with a Polaroid camera (he's laid in a good supply of the film) and put them on the walls around the Ice Cream stand. He will ask people to sign them so they have something to look for when they come back. His marketing plans also include contests in which customers could win an mp3 player or other prizes.
Jang has done a lot of experimentation with natural organic flavors and would like to sell the ice cream in larger amounts by container in the store.
"So many convenience stores have bad things for kids, I want to have good things," said Jang.
The opening prices for Moon-I are not sky high with a single scoop going for $3.45, and a double scoop at $4.00. The ice cream is completely organic and flavors include Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Honey Manuka, Chocolate Theo and Kiwi.
