Located in the heart of Westport, Massachusetts, Village Pizza and Ice Cream is a beloved local establishment owned by Neil and Jeannine Cesario. 

This charming spot offers a taste of nostalgia and community spirit, serving up delicious pizzas and a wide array of ice cream flavors, including favorites such as maple walnut, chocolate chip, rum raisin, cotton candy, and Cookie Monster. “I like maple walnut,” Neil said with a chuckle, “I’m a plain Jane kind of guy.” For the Cesario’s, the shop’s journey began almost six years ago.

Neil and Jeannine decided to buy Village Pizza and Ice Cream during a pivotal moment in Neil’s life. With a 23-year career as a union carpenter interrupted by the COVID pandemic, Neil was prompted to reconsider his future. Reflecting on their cherished memories of visiting the shop with his three boys for post-baseball game treats, he saw an opportunity not just for a career change, but to become a part of the community fabric in a more meaningful way.  

With those memories and motivation, Neil approached then-owners Tony and Kathy Ferreira about buying the business. The Ferreira’s had owned the business for more than 30 years and seemed like they would own it forever. “Back in the day, I used to joke around with Tony, I'm going to buy this from you someday,” Neil said. The joke turned into reality, with Neil and Jeannine taking over and revamping the establishment, adding their personal touch to the menu and interior.  

Running Village Pizza and Ice Cream has been a labor of love for the Cesario’s, partly because of their connection with the community. Neil said “It’s more about the friendships you make in the town, the regular customers that come in.” But with every business — even one built on love — there also comes labor …

Work flow on the go

Neil described the work as a “tough racket,” with long hours being a significant part of the job. He often finds himself in the shop six days a week, putting in around 15 hours a day, while his wife Jeannine puts in an equal number of hours.

Another major hurdle has been staffing. Neil notes that finding dependable employees, especially during the busy summer months, is a constant struggle. He explained that for many young workers the job is temporary, which requires ongoing training and adaptation to new team members.   

Maintenance issues also add to the complexity of running the business. With essential refrigeration units and kitchen equipment to manage, unexpected breakdowns can disrupt operations and require prompt attention, adding another layer of stress to the day-to-day running of the shop.   

Despite the challenges, Neil and Jeannine work seamlessly together, a fact that amazes their friends and patrons. Neil said, “A lot of people say to us, I don't know how you guys work side by side all day, every day. And I don't either. But we are two people that somehow are able to do it.”  

Neil and Jeannine Cesario have set up a harmonious division of labor that keeps their business running smoothly. Neil takes the lead at the pizza oven — the scars on his forearms are reminders of the times he’s been burned in the fast-paced, on-the-go business. And Jeannine dedicates her efforts to the front of the house. She oversees the sandwich station and ensures that customer service is impeccable.

They both take pride in their team efforts to keep their business available to offer the community a diverse selection of ice cream flavors: cookies n’ cream, coffee fudge, strawberry cheesecake, watermelon sherbert, and fat Elvis.

Beyond the ice cream team duos dedication to flavor, they invest their time in the involvement with local organizations, such as the Little League and often donate to local events and initiatives in the Westport community.

But perhaps most importantly, unlike many ice cream shops that close after Labor Day, Village Pizza and Ice Cream is open all year. Village Pizza and Ice Cream is found at 760 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790.