
<p>Local ice cream shop Skan Ellus Drive-In has served ice cream and classic drive-in dishes to the Skaneateles and Marcellus community since 1967.</p>


Skan Ellus is an ice cream shop situated between Skaneateles, N.Y., and Marcellus, N.Y., which inspired the name of the restaurant. Originally established in 1967, the shop was renovated and reopened under new ownership in March 2024, with an updated exterior, dining area, patio and outdoor seating. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Linda D. Epstein

AJ Chavar

Leah Amidon, an employee at Skan Ellus, frosts a soft-serve ice cream cake in Skaneateles, N.Y. Amidon, who started working for Skan Ellus “last season,” alternates layers of soft serve and toppings together, before placing it in a freezer to set before decoration. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Leah Amidon, an employee at Skan Ellus, mixes a chocolate shake, in Skaneateles, N.Y. A kitchen-grade immersion blender is used to mix ice cream, milk, and mix-ins like syrup and ice cream toppings. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Maddie Dubach, a worker at Skan Ellus, presents a swirl soft serve in Skaneateles, N.Y. Soft serve machines use a liquid mix that is constantly churned and chilled in a chamber, creating a softer consistency than ice cream. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Kevin Bealer funnels tartar sauce he prepared for storage, in Skaneateles, N.Y. Dips, sauces, and sandwich fillings like tuna salad are made in-house, prepared in advance to reduce service times. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Steven Schultz, a cook at Skan Ellus, tosses french fries in a seasoning bowl in Skaneateles, N.Y. The residual fryer oil and generous seasoning helps ensure an even coating while mixing. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Chicken for a chicken spiedie cooks on a grill, in Skaneateles, N.Y. “It’s upstate New York’s version of a Philly Cheesesteak,” said Steven Schultz, a cook at Skan Ellus. Chicken cutlets are sliced into bite-sized chunks before being marinated, grilled, and added to a sub roll. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Sam Radcliff pours tater tots into a fry basket in Skaneateles, N.Y. The food preparation area has a flat-top grill, fryers, and an assembly station with food toppings, condiments, and packaging. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Leah Amidon transfers a chocolate milkshake to a serving cup, in Skaneateles, N.Y. If paper cups were used when mixing the shake, instead of a steel malt cup, the machine will cut into the cup if it makes contact. (Photo by Simon Pike)

Annie Pollock sips a cherry milkshake at Skan Ellus, in Skaneateles, N.Y. Pollock had the day off from school and visited the restaurant with her brother and mother. (Photo by Simon Pike)

The Alexia Fall Workshop

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A DRIVE THRU SKAN ELLUS

Produced by

Simon Pike

Coached by

Linda D. Epstein

A.J. Chavar