Brizzolaris in Dalton reopens under new owners

Opened in 1908 by Concetta and Angelo Brizzolari, Brizzolaris was originally an ice cream parlour.

In 2018, after 110 years and two generations later, their granddaughter Hazel and her husband Keith decided that they wanted to retire.

Original owners of Brizzolaris,Angelo and Concetta Brizzolari

The iconic shop was closed and sold to Emma-Lea Dalton, who originally wanted to use the building as office space for her cleaning company 'My Kind of Clean'.

But Emma, who is born and raised in Dalton. understood the history of the building and how important the building was to the community.

She then decided to restore the building and honour its heritage.

And on Sunday Brizzolaris opened its doors once again as an Italian coffee bar specialising in coffee, cake and ice cream.

Emma said the decision was 'quite easy' to keep Brizzolaris.

BUSINESS: Emma Lea, Owner of Brizzolaris

She said: "I thought it is something that can't be taken away from Dalton as everyone knows the building as Brizzolaris.

"Having two small children and a husband working in quite a busy job it was hard wondering how we were going to juggle everything and make it work but we're getting there."

She said it was a 'big challenge' due to the pandemic and jugging family life. She said: "Luckily we have a really good support network with our family and friends and even the staff that work for me. We have a big family here."

Former owners Hazel and Keith came down to the coffee shop to mark Brizzolaris reopening. They cut the ribbon to the shop with Emma's two children.

Former owners, Hazel and Keith cutting the ribbon with Emma's children

The day was largely a family affair, where the family tried the cafe's products and later on the shop was opened to customers.

Emma said: "I just want to say thank you to my family, friends and the tradesmen who helped and worked super hard to get the cafe ready for opening."