DIXON, CA (MPG) - Pledging to create a "new spin on the old classics," the new owners of A Street Deli and Frosty's are buzzing around the businesses cleaning and renovating after business partners Jerry Bassler, Ken Bell, and Grace Lupercio announced they are "stepping out of the business completely."

After "merging their employees" with Lindsay Hickman of the Barn and Pantry and Matt Andrews of Food and Familia, a catering business, Lupercio was comfortable with their agreement and pleased Carlos the Cook would stay, she said.

The deal probably wouldn't have happened if that wasn't so, she said. He's been a loyal cook for them and she "felt a close relationship with his family."

A Street Deli will be the new site of The Barn & Pantry, the coffee stop and store of local farm foods that closed at the end of July due to "lease issues." Apparently, they didn't even need a moving truck to relocate the refrigerators.

“We want to thank AFrostys Inc. owners Ken, Jerry and Grace for reaching out and trusting us with two businesses they put their hearts into,” said Lindsey Hickman the owner of The Barn and Pantry in a press release. “Their team was ready to sell right as we were looking to find a new home.”

Both new owners were excited about the outdoor space that comes with the businesses and will be spending the next couple of weeks "revitalizing" with Hickman concentrating on A Street and Andrews taking the Frosty's side.

“There aren’t many places where you can come for specialty coffee, clean comfort food, roadside fusion, farm to fork dinners, and leave with local sustainably farmed groceries,” Hickman said about the business plans. “You will be able to walk up for coffee or to-go food, or sit down service ordering from either restaurant menu."

She hopes to have daily dinners by the end of this month.

 

Andrews Plans for Frosty's
"We have been working on how we can adapt and figuring how to make it work," said Andrews who feels he is checking off his goals he set in 2007 at culinary school to own his own place by the time he was 35. He is now 36 but started his catering business last year.

"It's a great partnership and it is all very exciting," he said. "I'm looking forward to putting a new spin on the old classics with fresh, quality ingredients--both in the restaurant and outdoors. Frosty’s is a childhood memory for me, I grew up literally on this iconic corner. Being able to bring new vitality to my community is a dream for me. You can expect a new take on your favorite roadside dining experience.”

If you're thinking Food Network star Guy Fieri will be stopping by soon, you might be right as Andrews was already on one of the famed restauranteur's shows but cut his finger during the competition.

"They never even showed that part," Andrews said with a laugh while propped on one of the many metal tables and chairs being power washed for Frosty's. He admitted the pandemic forced him to get out of his comfort zone because it allowed him to practice new recipes.

"My wife got to try it all," he said adding that they are expecting their first child, a boy, in a couple months. Andrews lost his brother a few years ago in Hawaii and came back to Dixon in 2017 to be with friends and family. He started cooking for friend, Jill Orr, at Dawson's. He had cooked for famous chefs in Los Angeles and in Las Vegas before that and got to know Hickman by cooking for her during the Friday night entertainment venues at the Barn and Pantry.

"I'm finally getting back to myself," he said flashing a broad smile.

For those who are worried about change, Andrews plans to keep the "good ol’ burger" favorites, while incorporating locally sourced meats, sustainable farmed produce and dairy products.

“We are doing everything fresh. Fresh patties, fresh made breads, and even hand-dipped corn dogs,” he explained, “Diners can expect to see menu additions such as an ahi burger, fish tacos, bison hotdogs, garlic fries and a patty melt with Red’s special sauce,” he said.