New Family-Owned Ice Cream Shop Opens On Church Street In Naugatuck

NAUGATUCK, CT — A new family-owned ice cream shop recently opened its doors on Church Street, offering customers the chance to try over 35 flavors of hard-serve ice cream with a variety of toppings.

Church Street Creamery officially began a soft opening in late February, which owner Kevin Gendron noted was not the original plan.

"We were aiming for a March or April opening," Gendron said to Patch, "however as soon as we posted about it on social media, the excitement took off...since construction and licensing were completed early, we decided to do a soft opening with limited hours in February and March. This gives us time to adjust and work out any kinks before the busy season really begins."

As of Wednesday, the ice cream shop's Facebook page indicates Church Street Creamery is temporarily closed this week but will reopen this weekend.

A grand opening is planned for March 29, with featured activities including face paintings, airbrush tattoos and giveaways, as well as a special promotion to support fellow Church Street businesses.

"Customers who spend at least $25 at another Church Street business and bring us their receipt will get a free small ice cream," Gendron said. "Toppings are extra. With all the construction that’s been happening downtown, we hope this helps encourage people to explore and support the local shops and restaurants on the street."

Gendron encouraged customers to check the store's social media pages for more information about the event and the shop's hours prior to the grand opening.

According to Gendron, the idea for Church Street Creamery first began as a joke nearly 15 years ago.

"I used to work in healthcare management, where I was on call 24/7, handling difficult situations," Gendron said. "I would joke with my family that one day I'd retire and open an ice cream shop because it seemed like a business that simply made people happy. Over time, that joke turned into a dream, and now here we are."

The shop's location in town is equally a dream come true for Gendron due to its central location and easy municipal parking right across the street.

"With the vision and projects underway for downtown revitalization," Gendron said, "it made perfect sense to be a part of this growing area."

Thought there are a number of tempting dessert options in Naugatuck already, Gendron said Church Street Creamery will stand out due to it being a local family-owned business rather than a franchise.

That translates to the aesthetic of the shop, which was decorated by Gendron's wife, Brigit.

"She's all about making sure everything matches," Gendron said. "She also loves children, so we've made sure to create a family-friendly atmosphere. We have a cutout photo board for kids, artwork where children can track their height against scoops and more fun touches to make it an enjoyable experience for families."

Church Street Creamery customers can currently sample 36 flavors of hard-serve ice cream, as well as a wide selection of toppings.

Also on the menu are ice cream sandwiches, which Gendron noted have been "a big hit" already, in addition to a variety of floats and milkshakes.

"People also appreciate that we offer gluten-free and no-sugar-added options," Gendron said, "making it easier for everyone to enjoy a treat."

Gendron said the store's "to-go" ice cream sandwich flavors range from chocolate chip and brownie cookie to snickerdoodle and Oreo.

"While we have a limited menu right now," Gendron said, "we'll be expanding to include unique offerings you won't find elsewhere."