Saugatuck Sweets to close Westport location after 10 years
WESTPORT — Though almost four years out from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses are still facing its repercussions coupled with other economic challenges, including Saugatuck Sweets. After 10 years at its Riverside Avenue location, the ice cream and candy shop will close its doors for good on Dec. 17.
Co-owner Al DiGuido said in an interview that an ice cream and candy store has a smaller profit margin compared to other businesses. Though open year round, it goes through highs and lows depending on the season.
“We weathered the entire COVID period,” he said, but added it's been difficult when combined with today's economic challenges.
Though the Westport location is closing, its Fairfield location
at 28 Reef Road will remain open. It offers the same products as the Westport location.
DiGuido said Fairfield will stay open because it is sustaining
itself better than Westport's location was, and he and his wife hope their Westport customers will go to the next town over.
The business announced it was closing the Westport location on Dec. 14 in a letter to its customers and social media post.
“In recent years due to the challenging economic conditions and COVID issues, we have determined that it is no longer financially viable for us to keep this business afloat,” owners Chris and Al DiGuido said in the announcement.
The DiGuidos said they have many great memories from the business' time in Westport and have made lifelong friendships there.
“It is our hope that while serving the Saugatuck section of Westport we have provided you and your families with not only great ice cream and candy but also a tremendous family experience,” they said.
Saugatuck Sweets also aimed to be something more than just a candy and ice cream store, but a place that was community-founded and a way to give back.
“That to us is really the meaning behind what we did it for,” Al DiGuido said.
Al DiGuido said customers would come in and ask he and his wife what they knew about ice cream and candy. He would say they didn't know much, but they do know about families.
They wanted Saugatuck Sweets to be like businesses that existed when he and his wife grew up, where it was focused on experiences and relationships.
He is also the founder of Al's Angels, which supports children with cancer. He and his wife always helped light the Saugtauck River Bridge each holiday season and placed a letters to Santa box outside of the Saugatuck Sweets, as well as allowed musicians to play and groups to hold fundraisers outside of it, like the girl and boy scouts.
“That makes our lives richer,” he said.