Anderson's celebrates 'Scoops of Joy & Hope'

By Karen Carr Keefe

Senior Contributing Writer

Anderson’s Frozen Custard opened its Grand Island restaurant in June; but last week Tuesday, it set aside a special day to salute its busy first season. A ribbon-cutting and a community celebration marked the happy occasion.

Earlier this year, Anderson’s purchased the former Adrian’s Custard & Beef, a popular restaurant and gathering place, from ToniMarie Amantia, who had owned the business for 19 years.

The afternoon was a retirement celebration for Amantia and a fundraiser in her honor for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. “Scoops of Joy & Hope” included DJ with Moving Music, face painting, a raffle, stone painting for the kids by Sweet Buffalo, and a visit by Buster Bison.

At the ribbon cutting, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce President Eric Fiebelkorn had words of welcome for the newest of the seven Anderson’s stores.

“We’re so thankful that you guys are here. Our master plan calls for development and redevelopment and beautification in town center, and you are right smack dab in the middle of town center,” he said. “We’re really appreciative of it, and everybody standing here in some facet is to serve. So, there is a ton of people who will help you and will reach out.”

Anderson’s owner Holly Anderson said the community of Grand Island has been very supportive. The work to convert the restaurant from Adrian’s to Anderson’s took up what would have been the beginning of the season, with rebranding and redesign of the building inside and out, hiring and getting the business up and running. “We expect even more next year because we’ll be more settled. And the drive-thru will go in this fall.”

She said most of the employees are students and young people from Grand Island: “We’re now looking for part-time adults that want to work during the school year – from the Island, so it’s easy for them.”

Anderson said employees who have been with the company for many years transferred to the Grand Island staff: “That’s really helping with the branding and the culture. But we’re very excited to use this community to actually serve their own people.”

Anderson said the restaurant will be open year-round.

Marketing Director Lisa Sorrentino planned the special celebration as a day of family fun.

“We’re really blessed to be on Grand Island and we’ve had a lot of support,” Sorrentino said. “Our teammates mostly come from Grand Island, and their families are here cheering us on and coming in to visit and participate.”

The second part of the day’s program was a tribute to Amantia and an opportunity for the community to visit with her and express their appreciation.

Anderson and Amantia were there to cheer each other on. Anderson said her goal has been to build upon Amantia’s legacy in the community – “That’s our mission.”

There were gifts and tributes to Amantia’s hard work and diligence, as well as a round of applause from the audience of customers and well-wishers.

A special sundae was created for the day by Amantia and Sorrentino. A dollar from the purchases of the sundae is being donated to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. The sundae contained handmade peanut butter chocolate chunk frozen yogurt, hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, Reese’s Pieces and a custom marshmallow made by Jen’s Cookie Jar of Grand Island.

Anderson said the celebration of Amantia’s retirement was an opportunity for the community to say goodbye and thank you to her. The events of the day were for the enjoyment of the kids and their families in the Grand Island community, she said.

Amantia said, “Retirement is wonderful. I’m spending time with family and grandbabies and loving every minute of it. Summer at home is really nice.

“We miss Adrian’s – it’s been in my family.”

She said they all miss the business and appreciate the legacy of serving the community.

Anderson’s Marketing Director Lisa Sorrentino, right, introduces Holly Anderson, left, and ToniMarie Amantia at the retirement celebration and fundraiser that Anderson’s Frozen Custard held for Amantia, owner of the former Adrian’s Custard & Beef. (Photo by Karen Carr Keefe)