UNION W.Va. (WVDN) – Perhaps chocolate gained a reputation for being rich because it is believed to have been used as currency by ancient civilizations. Then again, maybe it is because this delicacy was once associated with royalty and could only be afforded by the wealthy. With such a colorful history and a taste that has withstood the test of time, it’s no wonder we all find ourselves craving a delicious milkshake or a smooth scoop of ice cream from time to time. For one Union resident and business owner, the decision to open an ice cream shop has led to sweet success.
On July 21, Sara’s Sweet Treats LLC held a grand opening celebration to welcome customers to their Main Street location and share a unique business model that caters to all family members, both two-legged and four-legged. “This is fun! The kids come and they have ice cream, popcorn and candy,” says owner Sara Bissell. “They enjoy it, and the prices are good.”
All dog lovers know that a family isn’t complete without a wagging tail, which is why Sara’s Sweet Treats LLC now offers dog-friendly popsicles in the shape of a dog paw. “We use organic ingredients,” says Bissell. “We mix it, freeze it, and dogs love them.”
For those who live in town, free delivery is an option. “Customers can just call in their order, and it will be ready in 15 or 20 minutes. We will deliver right here within town,” says Bissell. When it comes to operating a business in a small town, it’s imperative to connect with locals. In addition to free birthday ice cream on your special day, Sara’s Sweet Treats LLC offers a 5% discount every day to veterans and first responders. “We’re all about family and community,” Bissell admits. “I want to see people have enjoyment, come in and want to stay. That’s my goal. I love Union,” she adds.
With Halloween just around the corner, children of all ages will get the chance to meet characters that everyone’s sure to remember from the classic seasonal cartoon, ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.’ “They are coming at 10:30 a.m. on Halloween day,” Bissell excitedly says. “We are having a big celebration with a coloring contest, best costume contest and also a contest to see who can guess how many candy corn pieces are inside of a jar. And of course, there will be trick-or-treating later in the day,” she adds. In continuing with holiday celebrations, Sara’s Sweet Treats LLC will distribute Blessing Bags filled with items necessary for making Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas stockings filled with toiletries and other incidentals for locals at Christmas and a toy drive beginning in December for hurricane victims. The shop will also host a Christmas Tree Angel that will benefit local children, which is a tree that will feature angels with a child’s age and holiday gift request.
Sara Sweet Treats LLC owner Sara Bissell’s kind heart extends far beyond the town of Union. “I rented a 26-foot U-Haul and have asked for donations for Hurricane Helene victims. These people have lost everything,” she says. “I have asked people to walk outside, stand in their yard and just look around with nothing more than the clothes on their back. This is how some of the hurricane victims feel. They have nothing. The donations that have come in have been absolutely wonderful,” Bissell says. “We’re leaving for North Carolina on Saturday, Oct. 19, and there’s still time to make a donation.”
With menu items ranging from grilled cheese and hotdogs to steak & cheese grinders and special fall-inspired ice cream flavors, Bissell’s vision for an ice cream shop lining the town of Union’s Main Street is one that’s been a welcome addition. “We also love football, and we have huge specials. My brother makes chili, the coleslaw is handmade, and the french fries are hand-cut. Nothing is frozen,” Bissell says. “We also have a food truck called Sarah’s Sweet Treats Mike’s Coffee Knook that’s stationed on Route 219 Seneca Trail South in Union. Mike is my brother and we are launching the food truck along with the restaurant. Starting in January, we are adding a second truck so that we can attend the West Virginia State Fair next year and other events,” she adds.
Sara’s Sweet Treats LLC is located at 315 Main Street in Union. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 304-647-0327. You can find them on social media by searching for Sara’s Sweet Treats LLC on Facebook.
