Northford Coffee & Ice Cream Opens Doors

After many months of planning and hard work, the doors are finally open for the latest member of the North Branford business community, Northford Coffee & Ice Cream.

The java and cone hybrid is located in the bow of The Northford Store at 1504 Middletown Ave.

“My goal is to offer something Northford can be proud of,” said owner Diane Colozzi, who runs the cafe with her husband Tony. “We hope to evolve with the needs of our customers,” she said.

The couple partnered with The Northford Store owner Nick Demos. The Colozzis said they are excited to bring a family atmosphere and gathering place to the town and community.

“We will be open to suggestions as we go along,” Diane said.

The coffee shop/ice cream parlor offers a friendly and quaint ambiance complete with modern conveniences like free Wi-Fi Internet access. Customers can relax, surf the net and check e-mail, while enjoying a homemade coffee or espresso. A large screen TV adorns the far wall, in full view of every seat in the house.

Staffing for afternoons and weekends was chosen to provide an opportunity to local high school students looking for a part-time job.

“I am excited to try the soft ice cream,” said North Branford resident Leah Martino.

In addition to 16 flavors of soft serve, the menu features fresh waffle cones made on-site, homemade hard ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, New York-style pastries, and homespun cookies and cupcakes from a local bakery.

The Colozzis said they are excited to offer “flagels,” a “flat bagel” that is popular in New York City, but less known here in Connecticut. They said it comes highly recommended.

A formal grand opening ceremony will take place later this month for both The Northford Store and Northford Coffee & Ice Cream.

Winter store hours are: Mon. – Fri, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.