East End shop. Double Dip Express, is located at the West End of South Side, or what used to be the main entrance to the US Naval Base, and is housed in the old gatehouse.

Ms Brooks started looking at the location in February of this year. By April renovations had begun and extensive work has been done to the property.

"I chose this spot for several reasons, I enjoy the slower pace of the East End and Southside also has the beach and theatre facilities. I find that people are also attracted to the wide open spaces at South Side, and there is unlimited parking.'' Double Dip Express, which opened three weeks ago, boasts two dozen varieties of ice cream (chosen from 60 flavours made by Double Dip) including non-dairy and diabetic ice cream. In addition there are 13 choices of toppings including hot fudge, strawberry and walnut.

Ms Brooks says the most popular ice creams are: "Smurf (raspberry base with marshmallows), which is blue, and mint chip which is a vivid green. Both flavours are especially popular with kids, probably because of the colour. For adults, `Rum & Raisin' is the all-time favourite.'' The Double Dip Express opens at 7 a.m. during the week, 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings and 9 a.m. on Sundays. It is open until midnight seven days a week, and between the Hamilton and East End shop, there are two dozen employees.

"In the ice cream business, hours cannot be limited. I have found, after many years in this business, that people buy ice cream at all hours, sometimes even at 7 a.m. People want refreshment between meals and especially after dinner, which is when we do the bulk of service. From seven p.m. until 11 p.m. there will be a non-stop flow of customers,'' says Ms Brooks.

The new Double Dip Express is not just an ice cream shop. Coffee, tea (including herbal teas) hot chocolate and muffins are served. The Double Dip Express also offers hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, burgers, french fries and the South Side sandwich (choice of tuna, chopped egg, chicken or cheese salad) on a bun with lettuce and tomato. Seasoned popcorn and slushy granitas, in mango and pina colada, are also available.

"With this shop, the focus is the express element,'' says Ms Brooks.

"We aim to deliver a great product with quick service. Customers can 'taste-test' any flavour of ice cream before buying and have the choice of getting a simple cone or deluxe sundae.'' "The king of sundaes is the banana boat which includes three choices of ice cream, toppings, banana, wave of whip cream, and cherry anchors. The banana boat is finished off with a sugar cone `sail' and two spoons, just in case...,'' says Ms Brooks.

The clientele at the Double Dip Express, thus far, has proved to be a cross-section of both locals and visitors alike. Ms Brooks says: "I get customers coming all the way from Dockyard. Coming to South Side and stopping for ice cream is an outing. There is constant business here, which I expect to continue through Labour Day.'' "I want my customers to know how grateful I am,'' says Doris Brooks.

"I welcome every person that comes through our door, and recognise that each and every customer is a part of Double Dip's success.'' Grand opening: Doriss Brooks joins her great-nephew Jayson Jackson at the opening of her latest uiness, Double Dip Express, at Southside. Jayson, 8, cut the ribbon and then enjoyed one of Double Dip's cones.