even pg 3 8-11-22
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
captions:
Welcome
Left: Jarrod Hanshaw cut the ribbon with a giant pair of scissors. Lower left: PBA President Gary Osbrey presented owners with a PBA plaque. From left: Owners Sylvie Hanshaw and Jarrod Hanshaw, Osbrey, Putnam Mayor Barney Seney and Economic and Community Development Executive Director Delpha Very. Linda Lemmon photos.
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Maybe it was some kind of icy reverse inspiration for the Hanshaw family. Walking through Fire and Ice in February, the idea came to them “You know what this downtown needs? Gelato.”
The revitalized downtown they saw had everything from places to shop to a toy store, to restaurants, breweries and much more, said Putnam Economic and Community Development Executive Director Delpha Very at the Aug. 5 ribbon cutting at Main St Gelato.
“Jarrod and Sylvie Henshaw saw what Main Street had to offer and wanted to continue the vibe.”
Jarrod Henshaw said he saw the vibrant Main Street area, the foot traffic and the building on Pomfret Street and “this should be ice cream. I can figure it out.” He said he’d been waiting to get into food. He had no experience in it (he sold petroleum equipment) but trained with an Italian gelato expert in Florida.
They opened July 1 and they’re offering sorbetto, gelato and more from noon to 10 p.m. seven days a week. They offer sugar-free, dairy free and gluten free options. Jarrod said he pays attention to what the customers say and adjusts the business accordingly.
And it’s a family and friends affair with Jarrod and his wife Sylvie being joined by children Deidrea and Sebastian and friend Taylor Morales.
And come wintertime, Jarrod said, they intend to keep this going with hot chocolate. They’re already “wired for” espresso and he said he’s interested in getting into crepes.
Putnam Mayor Barney Seney said “You’ve brought something to the community we haven’t had. This is what makes us go.”
Gary Osbrey, president of the Putnam Business Association, said he loves small businesses. “This is a great addition to our town.”
Sylvie Hanshaw said “It’s not been done before. We wanted to do it.”
..