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Date: 4/25/2022
LUDLOW — There are so many sights and sounds along the Riverwalk. Add to that the excited calls and squeals for pistachio, bubble gum and cotton candy flavored ice cream once Riverwalk Creamery opens, most likely by the beginning of May.
Stacy Sosa bought the building and thought she was going to rent it out. But she thought again , and decided to keep it and open a soft serve ice cream shop near the main entrance of the Riverwalk.
“I’m hoping we can be a nice place for high school kids to hang out. I’m looking forward to families coming by, grabbing an ice cream cone and enjoying the Riverwalk,” said Sosa.
The creamery will offer 24 flavors, including the always popular vanilla and chocolate as well as the more daring black cherry, black raspberry and cheesecake. Sosa said she can put toppings on the ice cream, and in it as well, with a special infusion tool.
The ice cream shop seats 12 people and many more outside – but Sosa expects many of her customers will grab and go with their favorite cone, sundae, flurry or milkshake.
“It’s a nice thing to do in town that’s inexpensive. Some of us are struggling with high prices. Maybe you can’t go on vacation, but you can head down to the ice cream shop, bring the family, go for a walk and enjoy the weather,” said Sosa.
Sosa is ready to open her shop. She’s just waiting for final approval from the Board of Health. She hopes that comes by the end of April or the beginning of May.
Sosa already has a busy schedule with her full-time job. She is assistant director of the International Admissions Department at Wilbraham and Monson Academy. She hired a full-time manager and eight part-time teenagers to run the shop when she’s not around. She also plans to be a hands-on owner.
“I don’t know why I’m doing this. Maybe because I’m crazy. I’ve really enjoyed getting everything ready for our grand opening. I get excited, especially on sunny days. I’ve been very busy, but it’s a good busy. I feel really blessed to have this opportunity,” she said.
Stacy’s husband Tony owns Sosa’s Barber Shop in town where he has been cutting hair for 20 years. The Sosas are woven into the fabric of Ludlow, and that should help drive customers to the new business.
“If they’re not Tony’s customers they’re probably related to me. Between the two of us we know a lot of people who can come to the ice cream shop,” she said.
Stacy has never owned a business, but she graduated with a business degree from Bentley University. She hopes her degree will serve her well in the soft serve business.
Riverwalk Creamery is located at 116 East St. in Ludlow. The ice cream shop will be open from May to mid-October from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The shop is closed on Mondays.