SweetieFry Opens on Lee Road

The cold air and early nightfall indicate the beginning of autumn, but the tastes of summer can still be found in a new snack shop on Lee Road.

celebrated its grand opening over the weekend, and owner and Cleveland Heights resident Keith Logan said if all goes well, the neighborhood will consider the ice cream and French fry spot its own.

“I want people to think it’s theirs. It’s not mine — it’s the neighborhood’s,” said Logan of his new store.

When you walk in, Logan will likely ask, “What’s your favorite flavor?”

But it’s not an easy question to answer when he has unique, hand-crafted ice cream offerings like maple bacon, strawberries and sourcream and peanut butter and jelly.

Sure, he makes the classics — chili cheese fries and vanilla bean ice cream — but he also puts a spin on old favorites.

His plan is to sell 10 permanent ice cream flavors and to rotate six, and all are made in-house.

“I’m the only ice cream shop with a window into the kitchen. So the question is, who is making your ice cream, or where is your ice cream made?” Logan said.

But you can’t forget about the fries. Logan sells both regular and sweet potato varieties, and customers can choose from shoestring, Belgian or waffle cuts on the classic potatoes. Those can be dipped in one of his specialized sauces including toasted sesame and butter masala.  

And the Lee Road establishment will serve entrée fries like cheddar and jalapeno, gorgonzola and Tabasco and parmesan and truffle.

Logan was first inspired to open the business after taking a faith development class at , which helped him discover and pursue his “God-given gifts and talents," he said.

He had worked in corporate business development for years, and after he took the class, his wife asked, “What about ice cream on Lee Road?” he said.

In the fall of 2010, he traveled and tasted ice cream. He found his favorite, a place called Tubby’s in New England, and asked if the owner would  mentor him in the craft. He took an ice cream course and practiced making the treat for months.

He operated an during the summer, and now occupies the space where Cutri Photo Arts used to be.

“I love hospitality, connecting community and craftsmanship,” he said. “I want to bring the neighborhood together.”

SweetieFry, 2307 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Open Tues.-Fri, 2:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. Closed Monday. Fries $3.75 - $5.70. Ice cream $2.95 - $5.75.