Business

Local Businesses and COVID-19: ‘Swirl’ Frozen Yogurt

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For today’s Q&A with a local business, we talk to Sonny Yi, on-site owner of frozen yogurt shop Swirl. The popular Cherry Street business is open 12 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Yi is taking orders by phone and text (203-434-7726) as well as “walkups” to the shop who must remain at a safe distance outside. Those picking up are getting delivery to their cars. During our exchange, Yi credited his landlord, saying, “Brock Saxe and his family have always been supportive and understanding, and they truly care about their tenants.”

Here’s our interview.

Business

Beat the Heat: New Canaan’s Cooling Desserts

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With the heat ramping up, and more days above 90 degrees forecasted for this summer—the National Weather Service is calling for sunshine and 80-plus-degree temps all week—New Canaan dessert shops such as Baskin Robbins, Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato and Swirl are ready to help locals “beat the heat.” Baskin Robbins on Main Street long has served as a hub for those who want something cold and sweet. Baskin Robbins worker Felisha Swaby told NewCanaanite.com that the most coveted order is the Mint Chocolate Chip Shake. Easy to drink, customers won’t have to worry about this shake melting like conventional ice cream cups and cones, she said. Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato owner Nuccia Mazzonetto hand-makes her gelati and has gained a great reputation among those who know quality New Canaan desserts.

Business

I Scream, You Scream: A Guide to New Canaan’s Ice Cream (And Yogurt!)

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With sunshine filling the sky, pools opening, and less than a week until NCHS graduation, it is clear that summer is finally here. Although every New Canaanite spends their summer differently, the best way to cool off on a hot summer day is to grab an ice cream or frozen yogurt. The New Canaanite took a tour around town to all of the shops around town to see which place is the best for each type of occasion. Baskin Robbins—The Classic

103 Main St. If you are looking for 31 flavors of classic ice cream, B&R is the way to go.

Business

Future Unclear for Elm Street FroYo Provider Red Mango

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The future of one of New Canaan’s three frozen yogurt purveyors is unclear, as a sign in the window says the business was “closed for vacation” last week and it still hasn’t reopened. Red Mango on Elm Street appears to be empty, gutted of its tables, chairs, counter and equipment. One of the franchise’s three owners (there are 200-plus Red Mango outlets nationwide), Mike Hoover of Queens, N.Y.—the other two are in Westchester—could not immediately be reached for comment. The business at 125 Elm St. is a member of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce.

Around Town

Sidewalk Sale: ‘One of the Best Ones I’ve Ever Seen’ [SLIDESHOW]

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[acx_slideshow name=”Sidewalk Sale 2014″]

[Editor’s Note: The photos in the slideshow above include participants in a Facebook photo contest that we ran together with Swirl froyo. For information on each picture, just hover over it with your mouse. Thank you to everyone for making New Canaanite’s first-ever Sidewalk Sale so much fun.]

Thousands of deal-seekers descended on downtown New Canaan under a mercifully overcast, even breezy morning and afternoon Saturday for the annual Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale. Visitors shopped, dined, gathered information about New Canaan nonprofits and gave to charitable causes on what many vendors agreed was the best New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sale in memory. Parts of Elm, Forest and Main Streets were cordoned off for pedestrians during the popular all-day event, as was the Pop Up Park, featuring special dishes from local restaurants and music from groups including the New Canaan Town Band and School of Rock.