Sweet Magnolia Scoops & Pies coming to Richfield Historic District

by Sue Serdinak

Less than a year after Richfield Brewing Company opened its doors, another new business is headed to Grant Street.

Following an unusual executive session early in the August 6 council meeting, Village officials emerged with legislation revealing plans for Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream LLC, to build a restaurant featuring ice cream and other sweet treats immediately east of the brewery on one-third of an acre of village-owned land. The site sits between the brewery and the municipal parking lot in front of the Richfield Branch Library.

Owner Lisa Sherrill, who is partnering with her daughter, Lauren Rykalla, said she is thrilled with the location. They had initially considered buying the property at the north corner of Grant Street and Route 303, but Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz introduced them to the village parcel.

Plans call for a two-story building with seating for about 100 guests, serving ice cream, pizza, salads and desserts. The shop has also applied for a liquor license to offer beer, wine, hard liquor, and “boozie” milkshakes. A kids’ café and play area are also part of the design. They plan to name the restaurant Sweet Magnolia Scoops and Pies and expect to employ about 20 people.

Sherrill and Rykalla bring sales and marketing backgrounds to the project, while Sherrill’s husband, Allan, will serve as general contractor through his company, Viper LLC. Construction is expected to be complete by next summer, pending permits. The anticipated investment is $2 million.

Frantz confirmed the $155,000 sale price for the property was based on an appraisal, and noted it is zoned Historic Commercial 1. He added that the Carter-Pedigo trail extension, which links the library parking lot to the brewery and municipal buildings, would remain. A portion of the path will be relocated and paved in concrete to ensure accessibility.

Allan confirmed that his construction plans would make it possible to have a path connecting the parking lot to the brewery.

Mayor Michael Wheeler added that the village will be adding additional parking spaces in the historic district on property north of a village-owned home at 3771 Grant St. Council unanimously approved a purchase agreement between the village and the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, which will finance the project, along with a development agreement with Sweet Magnolias Ice Cream LLC.

Photo caption: Lisa Sherrill and Lauren Rykalla  Photos by S. Serdinak.