Mattie's Café on Main Street is a gem of a small business, offering delicious treats to the community and giving back by using regional suppliers.
Martha Wadsworth and Sid Symington, both Geneseo residents, own the store. They opened the café on April 1, 2006.
"We wanted to do something in the community, and I really love ice cream," said Wadsworth, noting that Main Street was without an ice cream shop for 20 years before Mattie's moved in.
"Our desire was to keep it local as much as possible," said Wadsworth about her decision to use local products whenever feasible. The Purity ice cream comes from Ithaca, kosher bagels are picked up in Rochester, and Mike Herzog of Livonia prepares the varied soups.
Mattie's also uses Women's Coffee Connection, a Rochester company that uses fair trade importers and provides services for women who are recovering from substance addictions. Tasty homemade pies and brownies come from Karen's Desserts in Livonia Center, and the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard supplies monk's bread.
"We know the people who give us these things," said senior Stephanie Aquilina, who said she loves working at the store.
Mattie's is most well known for its freshly made gelatos, which cost $2.50 and can be sampled before purchase. Current flavors include lemon ice, cherry, pistachio, caramel cream, and honey-peanut butter.
Other popular items include breakfast sandwiches, water bagels, soups, teas, and sundaes.
"The bagel sandwiches are awesome," said junior Eric Christensen.
Wadsworth said that although gelatos are a strong seller year-round, when the weather gets colder she promotes soups, bagels and coffee for customers seeking a warm lunch.
According to Wadsworth, Geneseo students make up the bulk of the customer base, though children and senior citizens visit the store regularly.
"The people here are very friendly," said Geneseo resident Lisa Scovill, adding that the store is a great gathering spot and that children often go there for dessert after sports games. "It's good to have an ice cream store in town," she said.
Mattie's motto is, "Ice cream is good for the soul." Wadsworth said she was proud she is able to offer a "cozy atmosphere with quality food," offering products chosen only after "tons" of taste testing.
The store is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.