The Sparta Dairy Is Back In Business

SPARTA, NJ - While the weather may still be trending cold, the new owners of the Sparta Dairy are hoping residents are in the mood for ice cream as they are officially open for 2020.

"We live in town and we were looking for another business adventure for our future and our children's future," owner Sarah Ziccardi said. "After passing Sparta Dairy vacant for many years we finally said 'What the heck, let's check out the deal.' And the rest fell into place."

Customers expecting the same old thing are in for a shock, as Ziccardi noted that the building is completely renovated inside and out.

"The location, and name are the same. Other than that everything is new," she said. " All new ice cream, flavors and staff. We really made it our own."

One of the changes is the all-new menu designed by Sparta Chalkboard Artist Anna Blanchette.

"Anna is local to Sparta when she is not in college. I've followed her work online for a very long time now and knew she was who I wanted to create our menu from the beginning. She is a very talented designer and chalkboard artist," Ziccardi said. "She also holds Chalk Board classes when she is home. Anna worked with us for months and created an absolutely beautiful design for our menu."

Ziccardi is a Sussex County native, she grew up in Hardyston but her husband is a lifelong resident of Sparta. Their original plan was to open last fall, but the revamp of the place took longer than anticipated.

"This was a much bigger project than we expected and it took much longer to come to life," Ziccardi said. "We are going to be open year round so opening in the winter wasn't an issue for us."

Reopening a local landmark could be a risky proposition, but Ziccardi said that the support from the community has been solid.

"Sparta has been amazing. From the town representatives to the community. Everyone has welcomed us with open arms," Ziccardi said. "We feel very blessed to live in such a wonderful community."

Their grand opening was such a smash, they sold out of many items and Ziccardi said it was just the beginning.

"We have so much to come," she said. "Theme nights, outdoor seating, community involvement and more."

The Sparta Dairy is located at 28 Sparta Ave. For more information, visit the website.

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