From Manager of a Bethel Biz to Owner, Thanks to Hard Work

Friends, family, representatives of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, as well as First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker (by Facetime while quarantining), celebrated Patricia Hutchinson’s new ownership of Peachwave at a grand reopening on December 3. Knickerbocker started the ribbon-cutting countdown.                                                          

As manager for five years, Hutchinson was already well known at the frozen yogurt shop on Greenwood Avenue. And having lived in Bethel all her life, she is a familiar face in town. “I worked very hard as manager, and I guess the previous owners, the Clifford family - who also own True Value at Dolan Plaza - saw this,” she said. “Because so many people have been at home during the pandemic and doing a lot of home projects, True Value got much busier. The Cliffords felt this was the time to pass the torch, so they approached me about becoming the new owner. They never put it up for sale to the public, but they’re confident I can be as successful as they were with the venture.”               

Peachwave is a family affair. Hutchinson’s father, attorney Tom Wolff, handled the closing. Her mother, Rosa Wolff, holds the honorary title of “CEO of Agricultural Affairs” – in other words, she makes the run to Costco for fresh fruits to use as toppings.                  Speaking of toppings, in addition to fresh fruits the yogurt shop offers nuts, candies (think M&Ms, sprinkles, chopped Heath bars, etc.), syrups, whipped cream, bits of brownies and Oreo cookies – 60 in all. “You can make your dessert as healthy or as decadent as you wish,” she said. “Frozen yogurt and gelato, which we also offer, are lower in calories than ice cream.”                                                                               

Hutchinson has a passion for finance and feels well equipped to run the business as well as the customer side of Peachwave. “In addition to my background as administrative assistant at Stop & Shop in Somers, NY, I am drawing on experience with Brotherhood in Action of Bethel, Inc., where I am on the board as treasurer,” she said. “BIA is a non-profit that provides food and other assistance to those in need. I’ve also been treasurer for the past four years at Bethel United Methodist Church.”                                                  

Although the shop opens at noon, Hutchinson starts at 8 a.m. so she can clean and reload the machines, plus handle administrative matters. Her day ends at 5, when her employees take over until closing at 9 (10 on Friday and Saturday).                                            What’s her favorite flavor? “It’s strawberry, but the biggest seller is vanilla,” she responded.        

Caption: Patricia Hutchinson, flanked by her son, Julien Schaad (left), and husband, Jim Hutchinson, at the grand reopening of Peachwave. 

Photo credit: Gina Sierra Photography