Bella Dolce, a much-loved frozen dessert café in East Setauket, is preparing to close its doors or sell the business after its ownership decided to focus on the wholesale end of the business.
"After six years of eating the greatest gelato, soft serve, and sorbetto on this side of the pond, it is with great sadness that Bella Dolce will be closing their doors," manager Corinne Zarou said in an interview Thursday.
"I really have a heavy heart," said Zarou, who also owns Safe Harbor Realty. "I have come to know so many nice people. It's going to be hard when it's that last day."
The possibility exists that a new owner could be found to take over Bella Dolce before it closes sometime in September.
Zarou said the wholesale end of their business, Palazzolo's, was formerly named to Oprah's "O List." Palazzolo's sells its products, which are free of artificial flavors and colors, to restaurants across Long Island and Manhattan. Zarou said they are preparing to expand with more sales people and trucks, saying the wholesale business is "exploding."
"We appreciate all the patronage, especially our very loyal customers over the years," she said.
Anyone interested in buying the business or stocking Palazzolo's products can call 631-278-3134.
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