Kevin Tuttle says his favorite ice cream sundae is hot chocolate.

That’s important to know, because Kevin and his wife, Julie, are the new owners of Bluffton Dari Freeze, 595 S. Main St. The business will open for the season on Saturday.

The Tuttles purchased Bluffton’s favorite summer hangout earlier this year from Billy and Phyllis Marchal.

Kevin says the spring hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Those hours might expand once summer arrives. The business changed its phone number to 567-226-1008.

He plans to keep the business open until Sunday, Oct. 6. The menu will remain similar to previous years, with the exception of the addition of an 8-ounce cod fillet sandwich. Watch the Icon for the complete menu posted tomorrow.

Kevin retired from Allen Oakwood Department of Corrections on Dec. 31. He and Julie worked with the Marchals during the past year on the purchase of the business.

“Everybody knows where its located and it has a nice client base,” Kevin said, reflecting on the business that is a few years shy of celebrating its 70th season.

He added that one of his short-term plans is to create a drive-thru at the South Main Street business.

Kevin is an Elida High School graduate. His wife, a Bath grad, is secretary in the Perry High School principal’s office.

Employees include Shyanne Mortimer, Hannah-Grace Perry, Morgan Nusbaum, Ashley Eachus, Kaitlynn Rieman, Raina Runk, Bailey Edwards, Lydia Skelly, Madison Fleece and Meredith Bixel.

PHOTO - FROM LEFT: Shyanne Mortimer, Hannah-Grace Perry, Morgan Nusbaum, Ashley Eachus, Kaitlynn Rieman, Raina Runk and Kevin Tuttle.

Not pictured are Bailey Edwards, Lydia Skelly, Madison Fleece and Meredith Bixel.