A local store has an impact on its community, both when it opens and when it closes. One couple, however, does not want their community to lose that spark, and has decided to step up and keep that spark alive however they can.

David and Heather Odom officially finalized the purchase of Sweetsie Treats on Monday, Nov. 19.

“Sunday was the owner’s birthday, so he said to make our offers the following day,” Mr. Odom said. “That was when we shook hands on the deal.”

They said the community was sad when the store announced it would close, and they knew they had to do something about it.

“There is not another local place like it in Elizabethton,” Mrs. Odom said. “We have spent personal time there.”

Mr. Odom said the ice cream’s place in the community was irreplaceable, and he talked about how the store added to other community events in the area.

“It hosted birthday parties, nursing homes, sports teams, you name it,” he said. “Dad and I would go there after the car show on Saturdays.”

The two new store owners have plans to expand on what the shop offers, but they said they want to keep its essence the same as it was under the previous owners.

“We want them to continue doing what they are doing,” Mrs. Odom said. “We just want to add to it.”

Among the suggested additions are plans for baked goods, as well as a hot chocolate bar as the colder weather settles in for the holidays.

Mrs. Odom also talked about the possibility of offering cake orders, as well.

“We want to give more reasons for people to come in the door,” Mr. Odom said. “Everybody’s happy when they are eating ice cream.”

Another advantage of purchasing the shop is the effect it will have on their family, they said.

“Our kids go to school here, we go to work here,” he said. “This will be a family business.”

Now that they have finalized the purchase, there is quite a bit of paperwork to go through, but Mr. and Mrs. Odom plan on a “Grand Opening” event on their first day of ownership: January 5.

“We want to show appreciation to the community who supported this store,” Mr. Odom said.

He also said they will be there during the annual Christmas Parade to help advertise the store.

Above all, Mrs. Odom said they want to enrich their community however they can.

“We want to be able to give people a smile when they come in the door,” she said.