Pokemon GO Saves Struggling Ice Cream Shop in Anacortes

Image via KING 5

Pokemon GO has done a lot of good for its players, but even people who know nothing about Niantic's augmented reality app are also reaping the rewards.

As local news K5 reports, Gary Dear, owner of Mad Hatter's Ice Cream in Anacortes, WA has found himself in the center of a Pokemon Mecca.

Every week, hundreds of Pokemon GO players from miles around flock to the depot across the street where there are several "Poke-stops" for players, and many can't resist the urge to buy ice cream while they're at it.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expected it to end up like this," said Dear. "I've never seen anything take off like this."

Since Dear opened the shop, he's struggled financially and even shut his doors recently because of an illness coming from his time in the Navy, but fortunately, two weeks after re-opening, Pokemon Go went viral, and players are drawn to his area.

"The Pokey light shines down on me!" Dear joked.

Dear says that his sales have doubled and even tripled on some nights. He also hired a few employees and extended his hours.

"It was a shame to see him close up shop. We're glad he's back," said Rick Miller, who is playing Pokemon GO with his daughter. "Some people are very frustrated with Pokemon GO; he loves it."

That's good to know that Pokemon GO is bringing a lot of good to the community despite the game being accused for encouraging players to tresspass and for placing Pokemon in inappropriate locations.

Read: Pokemon Go Tracking Improvements Introduce Sightings and Better Nearby System