Frankfort's Baskin-Robbins is one of the first stores in the nation to benefit from the franchise's new image. And some of the store's most faithful customers have benefited too.

At Wednesday's unveiling of the remodeled store, located in the Franklin Square shopping center off U.S. 127, owner Hung Tran presented a surprise $500.00 check to Stewart Home School to honor the school's students, who have been devoted for almost 35 years, Tran said.

"The students of Stewart Home School have been very loyal customers to the Frankfort store for many, many years," said George Begovich, the Baskin-Robbins Regional Manager. "The store and Mr. Tran just wanted to take the opportunity to recognnize the school while revealing the new look of the place."

The new look includes a more vibrant blue and pink logo and new wallpaper and menu boards. Also new is an ice cream dipping cabinet showcasing low windows and a step-up bar, allowing children to get a sneak peek as their treats are being made. A variety of toppings have been added - including peanut butter cups, licorice, piecrust pieces and cheesecake chunks, among others. But the focal point of the new store has to be the new sundae bar, where workers can help customers forge their own sundaes. Begovich said that workers used to turn their backs to customers to fix sundaes, but the new bar allows them to interact with people face-to-face.

"The new store revolves around creating a fun ice cream outing, and the new design and layout have been implemented to facilitate a fun and exciting guest experience," Begovich said.

The store informed Stewart Home School of the gift two days before the event took place. The check, which amounted to $500.00, was presented to Lindsay, the school's mayor, after which all guests present for the ceremony were treated to free ice cream.