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As their business grew, they sought a more permanent home, and in 1986, they secured zoning approval to build a new shop at the corner of Garage Street East (currently known as Cross Street) and NY-22. By April 1987, the doors to Sweet Treat's new location officially opened, welcoming eager customers to their new favorite ice cream destination.
The Smiths
Back to the beginning...
Press Republican - June 21, 1986
Press Republican - January 22, 1987
Sweet Treat has been a beloved part of the Peru community for decades, serving up smiles and delicious ice cream to generations of families, friends, and visitors. It all began in the 1980s with Elwyn and Faith Smith, a local couple with a passion for sweet treats and community connection. Before settling in the shop’s current location, they first opened a small ice cream stand across town. ​
Press Republican -
July 29, 1995
Press Republican -August 4, 1995
The Smiths owned and operated Sweet Treat for nearly a decade before deciding to sell in 1995. After a few years on the market, Kirsten Pope and her father, Franz Pope, purchased the shop in January 1997.
The Popes
More than just ice cream...
Under their ownership, the
Pope family brought new energy, ideas, and flavors to the business. Sweet Treat became a popular late-night hotspot, often staying open until 10 p.m. and, on some nights, even until midnight. As Kirsten said in the article
"We want it to be a fun atmosphere,"
and that is exactly what they accomplished.
Press Republican -April 13, 1997
In October of 1997, Kirsten expanded the shop's offerings by opening "Sweet Treat Kaffe" at the same location. It was no longer just an ice cream shop - It became a true café experience, complete with an espresso bar featuring 24 varieties of coffee.
In addition to espresso beverages, she introduced whole bean coffee and packaged loose teas for customers to enjoy at home.
Press Republican - October 24, 1997
To complement the drinks, the menu expanded to include baked-goods like bagels and croissants, creating the perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. Then, in 2004 the Popes expanded the property by adding a large back shed, which was eventually connected to the main building, giving it the layout and look it has today. After serving the community for over 13 years Kirsten and Franz Pope eventually sold and passed their business on to the new owners in 2011.
The Lajtis
Expanding tradition...
In 2011 Deb and Rick Lajti took over Sweet Treat, running the shop for 6 years. During that time they expanded the menu by offering custom cakes, ice cream
sandwiches, and gluten-free/low-sugar options. During their ownership, they faced challenges, including a small flood during the heavy rainfall in spring of 2013. This required renovations, and they successfully re-opened on May 26, 2013, continuing to serve the community for years to come. Beyond the shop, the Lajtis participated in events like the
Peru School Ice Cream Social and Peru Soup Kitchen. They also hosted benefit raffles, sponsored events, and other local
initiatives to ensure Sweet Treat was connected to the community.
While new to the ice cream business, Jeanne and Tim quickly adapted, facing challenges head-on, including the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through their dedication and hard work, they kept the shop running smoothly, ensuring that the community continued to enjoy their favorite treats.
ice cream shop, given her family’s history. Her mother and father had built/owned an ice cream shop and named it Jeanne’s Dairy Bar, after their daughter. Later the dairy bar was purchased by the Burdos. Jeanne's Dairy Bar was located where Apple Country Cabinets stands today in Peru.
the shop saw significant upgrades, including a brand new sign, a Flavor Burst machine, and interior renovations that enhanced the customer experience. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed—it became recognized in 2017 as part of the Top People Who Make Peru a Great Place to Live.​
Jeanne and Tim were also deeply committed to supporting their community. They have made donations to various local causes, are passionate about supporting local veterans, and also host Dog Days of Summer each August to support the Elmore SPCA in Peru.
Even after passing the torch, Jeanne is far from a stranger to the shop. You’ll most likely still see her around, enjoying the business she helped grow and helping Rachel along the way!
The Arnolds
A new chapter begins...
The next chapter began in 2017 when Jeanne and Tim Arnold purchased Sweet Treat. For Jeanne, it seemed as though it was meant for her to run an
Jeanne and Tim embraced the rich history of Sweet Treat, maintaining its reputation as a local favorite while adding their own touch. Their previous experience as owners of Iroquois Campground gave them the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of running a business, and they brought that expertise to Sweet Treat. Under their leadership,
Press Republican - April 17, 1971
Press Republican - April 13, 1968
Peru Gazette - June 19, 2017
Press Republican - July 26th, 2017
Building the future...
Rachel
Today, Sweet Treat, now "Sweet Treats," continues its legacy under the ownership of Rachel Calkins Covey. Originally from Peru, Rachel grew up visiting Sweet Treat, remembering Mr. Pope behind the shop counter. Though life took her away for a few years, she returned to the North Country to complete her college education and later joined the family business as a real estate agent with RE/MAX North Country, where she​​
With a deep love for local businesses and a passion for community, Rachel is excited to now own a piece of her hometown. She is also committed to supporting local suppliers, staying involved in the community, and ensuring Sweet Treats remains a welcoming and familiar place for all. While keeping those traditions alive, Rachel also has fresh ideas in mind and is always looking for ways to enhance the
continues to help people find their perfect homes.
Sweet Treats' Experience. She encourages customers to keep an eye out for exciting things to come while still enjoying the classic treats they know and love.
​When Rachel's not serving up delicious ice cream, you might find her selling real estate, cross-country skiing, baking, or spending time with her dog, Chaco.
Rachel is excited to welcome you to Sweet Treats and looks forward to sharing smiles, memories, and of course, ice cream with the community for years to come.
