FAIRFIELD, CT — A popular Fairfield sweet shop that specializes in frozen treats has plans to expand to Shelton in 2022.

Dave's Gourmet Paletas announced this week on social media that it is set to replace Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in the 700 block of River Road.

Dave's opened its first location in May at 1492 Post Road in downtown Fairfield, where it serves up the popsicle-like creations, said to have originated in Mexico in the 1940s. The business offers a dessert that's made daily, with no preservatives, and personalized to order, founder Dave Rock has said.

"I think the biggest difference is I have a chef who makes everything by hand," Rock said in a July article on the Fairfield Patch. "We're not buying boxes of stuff and putting it in a machine and squeezing it out. We've got a chef."

Paleta flavors range from the conventional, like strawberries 'n cream and pistachio, to options that are quirky or sophisticated, such as cotton candy and lavender honey. Vegan fruit flavors are also available, and paletas can be dipped in chocolate, drizzled with sauces like caramel or Nutella, and topped with nuts, candy and more.

For additional information, visit daves-gourmet-paletas.business.site.