The new owners, Theresa Stark and Deano Mazza: “It’s all about having a work ethic”

“I always knew I was an entrepreneur. I just needed the right thing to come along,” Deano Mazza told our reporter. “And that opportunity came when my friend Brian Hogie asked me if I wanted to take over this location.” Deano made one call to his partner, Theresa Stark to make sure she was on board with it and then, he said: “I went for it!” The pair signed the lease on April 1 for the former location of Hogie’s Sweet Shop in Pine Meadow and by April 10 they were ready to open. In only 10 days they had transformed the space into a bright and cheerful setting for their new business, Rocky River Sweets.

“Really what you need is drive and determination. If you don’t have a work ethic, you couldn’t do this.” Deano said and Theresa agreed, adding: “It’s mind-boggling how much we’ve done.”

A space set up with their customers in mind

The couple has divided the interior of the store into two distinct parts: on one side is the kids’ play area, with a wonderful, wooden playhouse in it and small, child-sized tables and chairs, as well as seating for adults; and on the other side is a seating area with a half-dozen tables where guests can enjoy a quiet meal or they catch a favorite show on the wall-mounted flat-screen TV.  So far, the Discovery Channel has been the favorite with patrons, young and old.

“A place where you can get good food at an honest price”

“We want this to be the kind of place where grandparents will want to bring their grandkids for a treat.” Deano said. The main treat, of course, is ice cream in its many different flavors, as well as sorbets and shakes. The couple has also added a deli section, with sandwiches made with fresh, bakery bread ~ yes, from the Collinsville Baking Company ~ and with Boar’s Head meats. Coming soon, as their sign says, they’ll be serving fried foods (“people have asked us to”) and that New York delicacy, Sabrett hot dogs (“the famous New York City pushcart hot dogs that snap or “pop” when you bite into them!”). The couple plans to keep Rocky River open year-round and come winter, Theresa will be adding home-made soups to their menu. And for those looking for a comfortable venue for a birthday party, Rocky River will be available for private birthday parties; contact Theresa or Deano for more information.

With all of their plans for the future, the couple has a very clear goal for their business:

“We want to be the mom and pop store; we want people to feel they got a good meal for a fair price, and we want everyone to leave here feeling happy and that they enjoyed what they ate.”

And with that they brought our reporter a small dish (“A very small dish, please”) of lemon sorbet and she left with a promise to return very soon, as other fellow customers are already beginning to do. Because good food, served by good people, is something we all want more of.

“And next time, guys, make that a large lemon sorbet, please!”

Sign Up For Earth Weekend Cleanup And Get a Free Ice Cream Scoop

Theresa and Deano have generously donated 30 coupons (actually, 32 printed out altogether) to the organizers of the Earth Weekend Cleanup on Sunday, April 25. Register for the cleanup at the event and the first 32 volunteers will each receive a coupon for a free, one-scoop cone or cup of ice cream.  “Sweet!”

Rocky River Sweets: Is located in the Silo Building between Prestige Cleaners and Michel Angelo’s Restaurant on Main Street in the Pine Meadow section of New Hartford. Rocky River is open 7 days a week, from 11 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The attractive view as you enter Rocky River Sweets. Photo: Maria Moore

The Goddu family visits with another family at Rocky River Sweets. Photo: Deano Mazza

The attractive Silo Building where Rocky River Sweets is located. Photo: Maria Moore