Beloved Meriden Ice Cream Shop To Stay Alive Under New Ownership

MERIDEN, CT — Les' Dairy Bar, a Meriden staple for six decades, will be sold to new owners, according to The Record-Journal. New owners Amanda and Francis Hamilton said that they want to keep things "the same as much as we can."

Francis Hamilton has roots in the area, and the couple recently purchased a home in Middlefield, where they live with their 1-year-old daughter.

The Hamiltons will take over for Debra DiGiandomenico, who has owned the shop for 38 years. She said she sold the business to the Hamiltons because they want to be part of the community and keep the business going as is, according to The Record-Journal.

It appeared that Les' was going to close after the 2019 season, but then DiGiandomenico announced the shop would open again this year after receiving an outpouring of support from the community.

DiGiandomenico wrote on Les' Facebook page: "Meet Amanda and Francis Hamilton, the future owners of Les'. If all goes on schedule, (my track record may indicate otherwise) I will be handing over the Keys September 1st. They'll be training all week, so.... if you get a chance stop by and wish them success and thanks, for keeping the Meriden tradition going!"

Les' history as an ice cream shop extends back to 1956, when the spot was opened as a a Dari-Delite franchise, according to The Record-Journal. The business was sold to Les Anderson, who changed its name. Rose and Albert DiGiandomenico bought the ice cream parlor in 1976 and later handed it over to Deb DiGiandomenico.