A Horsham espresso bar and ice creamery is providing a husband and wife team a platform to bounce back into business after socio-economic impacts caused by COVID-19 lockdowns.

Leanne and David Panozzo, who operate May Park Executive Apartments, have already experienced three ‘mammoth’ weekends since opening their Una Sosta ice creamery, on the corner of Darlot and Baillie streets. 

“It was so busy that all the stock was totally depleted on the first weekend – it’s certainly been well-received and extremely positive,” Mrs Panozzo said.

“We’re just debating how we prepare for Easter at the moment. That will be a massive flow through of people coming to our region.” 

Mrs Panozzo said the couple had planned to open an ice creamery for a while, but the pandemic had affected its initial plans. 

“We felt what better way to put a smile on people’s faces – and have an opportunity to tap into tourism or local families who come to the park – than to come and enjoy an ice cream and coffee while relaxing at May Park,” she said. 

“The accommodation sector was hit pretty hard during COVID, but you’ve just got to think like our farming community when it goes through drought and learn to be resilient, tighten the belt and be patient because the tide will change.” 

Mrs Panozzo said the business opening had provided seven people from across Horsham district with employment. 

Una Sosta offers 20 ice cream flavours, coffee and snacks. 

The Panozzos were successful applicants for Horsham Rural City Council’s COVID-19 Support Grants through a Stronger Business stream. 

The grant was used to upgrade infrastructure in their business. 

– Dylan De Jong

The entire March 31, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire March 31, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!