BY: Felicia Naoum
NORTHFIELD, Ohio – Photos by Victor Milani
Today, I landed the jackpot, folks! The jackpot of sweetness, freshness, and happiness at the family owned and operated Rosati’s Frozen Custard in Northfield. The Rosati family members are no stranger to a business that puts huge smiles on everyone’s faces even before they step up to the window at Rosati’s explained owner Marcia Rosati. Marcia and her son, Jonathan, who also operates the business, took some time to share their story while Marcia’s husband, Jim, was hard at work preparing for opening day!
See, the well-known Honey Hut Ice Cream in Brecksville and Brunswick has been owned by the Rosati family since 1974. Clearly, they’ve had years of experience in bringing happiness about. While the ice cream at Honey Hut was satisfying the palates of Brecksville and Brunswick, the Rosati’s wanted to bring something more to Northfield. The Rosati’s first purchased Rosati’s Frozen Custard in 2000 – an ice cream shop with an old-time feel and appearance, in hopes of bringing new life to the community of Northfield. Plus, as Marcia put it, “There was something missing in this location. We wanted to bring a little more gourmet to the area.” And that they did – you’ll know this when you try their frozen yogurt as I did.
A classic shop with a classic flavor in hand – Rosati’s core vanilla BLEW ME AWAY – in a good way, of course! Being so impressed with the quality and taste of Rosati’s custard, I had to ask them what makes their custard spew the word AMAZING out of my mouth right after tasting it! For one, they are ALWAYS making their custard! The custard is in demand and being made every single hour from open to close! Marcia explained that quality ingredients are used and it is important to use local ingredients when possible. And with 135 – 145 flavors, you will never get bored! Every day there is a new custard of the day found on their calendar which can be accessed online at www.rosatisfrozencustard.com along with pictures and descriptions of each item. The flavor of the day is always posted outside on their big ice cream cone – an exterior with a classic feel to take you back to the “good old days”, with “good old” and new flavors. New flavors that are being cultivated by customer suggestion or local, national and international trends as Marcia said.
To spruce things up, there is a new interior design in-progress at the custard shop (they are just changing the interior – NOT the custard!) that brings a more modern and retro-type feel added Jonathan. While Jonathan spoke happily about the new interior – he values nothing more than the customers he and his family serve. “One of our big goals is to not have a transaction with our customers but to have an experience. It is more than getting a dessert.”
See, the thing that makes this jackpot extra special is it includes a family who loves what they do and cares about who they serve. “This is the best job in the world!” said Marcia. Jonathan continued by saying, “We are providing that family atmosphere – that lends itself to making memories.”
So, come one down to Rosati’s in Northfield during their re-opening today and make some memories with their amazing flavor of the day – which is accessible online as well as by a phone call to the shop at 330-908-0889. If your Friday is packed, I have an even better option – a FREE CONE this Sunday, April 17th from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM! That’s right – FREE! No purchase necessary! “We are excited to finally be back open!” said Jonathan. And celebrate our ‘Sweet Sixteen’,” added Marcia. Sixteen “sweet” years in business that keep customers coming back!
Of course, I had to ask the best sellers for those who have never been or are in the mood to try a new flavor – Higbee’s it is! A light chocolate malted flavor that is a recreation of the malts that used to be popular at the former Parmatown Mall Higbee’s and Downtown Higbee’s. Customers rave about this flavor saying that it is indeed a spot on recreation!
Additional popular items include Sea Salt Caramel and German Chocolate. If you really want something different, go for an international inspired Italian flavor called Stracciatella which has a vanilla base with light chocolate chips!
Along with inspiring flavor, this family of entrepreneurs is happy to inspire future entrepreneurs. “Find something you are passionate about,” said Marcia. In addition to passion, hard work goes without saying. The Rosati’s invested their time by learning the machines to make this business possible.
Not only is Rosati’s offering amazing custard to their customers, they are also offering work opportunities. Fill free to apply if you are friendly, outgoing and able to keep up in a fast environment with weekend availability.
So, once again, folks, check out Rosati’s Frozen Custard at 95 E. Aurora Road in Northfield Center. Today is the re-opening date and don’t forget the FREE CONE this Sunday, April 17th from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM! Don’t say I didn’t tell you in advance….where to land the jackpot that is!
