
Coco approves! Photo from Facebook.
ANSONIA – The owner of a new ice cream shop downtown is inviting all dogs and their human companions to join him for a “pawsitively” fun way to wind down the summer.
Maxwell Beaudry, owner of the Sweet Eats Co. at 150 Main St., will host the shop’s second Doggy Ice Cream Social from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday (Sept. 16). Due to the doggone success of the first doggy social held last month – where dozens of dachshunds to dalmatians enjoyed “pup cups” of ice cream topped with a bone shaped treat – Beaudry decided to host another.
“I have a soft spot for animals, dogs especially,” Beaudry said. “They are a man’s best friend, and they love unconditionally. They deserve a special treat once in a while and to get out of the house and their normal routine to socialize.”
He asks owners with small dogs to carry them in the day of the social, and those with more aggressive dogs are asked to remain outside the store to accept their treats.
The ice cream shop opened in late May in a 1,000-square-foot space that’s been vacant for several years. It was previously occupied by a pawn shop, according to Ansonia Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley. Beaudry made some fun renovations, including installing an old-fashioned black and white checkered floor, a toppings bar and the all-important self-serve ice cream machines..
Beaudry, of Southbury, previously worked in the auto repair industry. And while he didn’t have prior experience in the ice cream business, he said making the career switch was one of the sweetest things he ever did.
“I wanted the change because of the everyday attitude of a basically upset customer,” Beaudry said. “No one is happy that they need to spend money on their car for repairs, and that gets depressing after a while. But everyone is happy when they are eating ice cream.”
Current business hours are noon‑9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
In addition to hosting special events for dogs, Beaudry also hosts Thirsty Thursdays where he offers discounts on milkshakes; gives discounts to local football players and cheerleaders and even does bike nights, giving motorcyclists with a sweet tooth a break on their treats.
For more information visit the shop on Facebook.
