Sweet Ashley’s Ice Cream in Norwalk Gets New Owners & Reboot

Sweet Ashley’s, the adored Norwalk ice cream spot, which has been around for 30 years has reopened this spring in time for a delicious summer! Frank Lanzo (Former owner of Nordic Fish in Fairfield) and his wife Judie, longtime Norwalk residents, decided to take over the business. As ice cream lovers with culinary experience, it seemed like a no brainer. 

“I’ve got a culinary background, I cooked my whole life, I went to culinary school in the eighties… now I heard this was for sale and what a great thing to keep going,” Frank Lanzo said. “I’ve been in Norwalk now for twenty two years, I live very close, who doesn’t love ice cream?

Some of the most popular flavors at Sweet Ashley’s are cookie monster (Vanilla ice cream dyed blue with cookie dough and Oreos), Swamp (Vanilla ice cream with Oreos, M&Ms, and peanut), and peanut butter overload (Vanilla ice cream with Reeses Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, and chopped Reeses).

For those who’ve been Sweet Ashley’s fans since it’s opening in the 90s, don’t fret, the original recipes and menu are the same but with some fun and interesting additions.

Pup cups are also served with a dog treat. My dog loved her cup!

“I kept his recipes the same but I expanded on them a little bit, I kind of put my twist on it. I introduced a lot of vegan flavors and dog friendly ice cream,” Lanzo said. 

Sweet Ashley’s homemade recipes use a cream base which makes the ice cream smoother and creamier than many other ice cream shops. All flavors are made in small batches, five gallons at a time, which ensures a fresh quality and allows for experimenting with flavors. Sweet Ashlehy’s has 70 flavors on the menu, and is open to testing more!

“We make everything here in house, it is truly handcrafted… We can make anything for anybody. If you call up and give us enough time, I’ll make it.”

As summer approaches, Frank hopes to add more outdoor seating for customers to enjoy their sweet treats with family, friends, and of course dogs! Sweet Ashley’s will continue to be a go-to joint for delicious sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream, and more!

“My employees are my backbone…and my wife Judy, and my son. I couldn’t do it without them,” Frank said.

“It’s a staple here. It’s been here for thirty one years, people know it,” Frank said.

Sweet Ashley’s is located at 248 East Avenue in Norwalk. You can check out their website for more information and to place orders! Also check out their Instagram @sweetashleys.icecream for updates.