Inside Scoop

Wheelock College senior Lauren Pietraszuk tells us why stuffing ice cream cones at J.P. Licks makes her happy, which flavors tanked, and why you need a pitcher's arm for her job.

Who makes up the crowd here at the Coolidge Corner location?

Pregnant ladies come during the daytime with their cravings, tons of little kids, and late night, the college kids come by. The older people come in, too. It's true - they all order rum raisin.

Do you have regulars?

Yes. They come in every single day and order the same exact thing. If we see them coming, we're like: "Got it. Small peanut butter hard yogurt with medium Americano, coming right up!"

Any flavors tank?

We had pad thai as a special monthly flavor. Everyone wanted to try it. But once they tasted it, they laughed and thought it was very odd. I think most of it went toward samples.

Do you card people when they order the flavors with alcohol in them?

Often little kids will come in and ask, "Do I need to show an ID to order the Bailey's cheesecake?" And we're like, "Aw, that's OK."

What's the most valiant thing you've done in the name of appeasing a customer?

Mixing weird flavors together in a frappe that I would never personally recommend.

Like?

Pistachio, black raspberry, and mint chocolate chip ice cream with coffee syrup. That doesn't even sound good.

Do your friends come in to visit you often?

Yes!

They get secret discounts, right?

Um . . . no?

Do you give extra sprinkles to cute guys?

I have a boyfriend!

What do you want to do after graduation?

I'm going to school to become a special education teacher.

Has anyone ever complimented or complained about your scooping skills?

I've been told I filled a cone so perfectly with soft serve that the customer didn't even want to eat it.

Have you found that one arm is stronger than the other, or can you scoop with either hand?

My right arm is certainly more cut than the left.

Were you sore in the beginning?

Oh, god, yes. My wrist and forearm and back were sore. It's not just the scooping, it's a lot of lifting and carrying buckets and dishes.

Do you ever get cranky working at such an upbeat place?

What are you talking about? We're always happy!

Send comments to magazine@globe.com.