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Java Cow Owner Offering Sweet Sale

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By PAUL CATALA pcatala@mediageneral.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

Since Dec. 9, 2005, Steven and Betty Rybczynski have been one of the sweetest couples in Sun City Center.

But after three years of serving up cones, bowls and cups of homemade ice cream and milkshakes, deli sandwiches, salads, croissants and other goodies, the couple is looking for someone else to mind their business and take over The Java Cow Ice Cream & Coffee Cafe.

For seasonal residents, Java Cow, 1517 Sun City Plaza B, has offered a place to relax and reunite with acquaintances. For full-timers, the 1,535-square-foot ice cream parlor and sandwich shop has offered a respite from the heat and humidity of Florida's Fahrenheit.

Steve Rybczynski said although the 3-year run in Sun City Center Plaza has had its ups, the recent downturn in the economy has made it hard to keep the mom-and-pop business afloat. He said business has been steady, but the couple is losing money and they're ready to turn it over to someone who will hopefully continue to make the renowned homemade ice cream, while expanding the menu.

A former logistics warehousing general manager in Pittsburgh, Rybczynski said he'd like to see Java Cow continue under new ownership.

"We've always felt Sun City Center has needed a place like this and we've really enjoyed being a part of the community," said Rybczynski, who moved to the area from Harrisburg, Pa. "We've always felt there's a place for a shop like this here. We hope whoever buys it will continue to support and be part of the Sun City Center and Kings Point communities."

New and long-time customers said theJava Cow's homemade ice creams, crafted sandwiches and smiling services makes them come back. Among the menu items are Joffrey's coffees and Panini sandwiches, breakfast croissants, quiche, bagels and pastries, espresso and cappuccinos and chai teas and lattes. There is also a variety of soups, smoothies and cocoas.

All of the items are fixed daily on the premise by Rybczynski, with the help of five part-time and two full-time employees, including daughter Caiti, who lives with Stephen and Betty in Sun City Center.

It's those fresh, homemade tastes and flavors that has been the draw for the regulars, said Rybczynski.
Sun City Center residents Mary Hirsch and her father, Ray Standclift, said they have gone to Java Cow almost daily since it opened. Hirsch said the shop offers more than just ice cream and sandwiches, it offers a place to meet with friends and socialize.

"I don't want him to sell it. It's like a family there; it's that kind of place," said Hirsch, who said she has a penchant for Java Cow's vanilla and mocha chai lattes. "I would like to see whoever buys it, keep it the way it is."
Rybczynski and his wife decided to open an ice cream shop when Betty's parents, who live in Sun City Center, were involved in a car accident Feb. 5, 2006. Betty's mother, Peggie Stevens, was hospitalized for four months, before being released to convalesce.

"We decided to celebrate, have ice cream, but couldn't find an ice cream parlor in the area," said Rybczynski. "My wife had the idea to open up an ice cream store; her family had run one for 30 years in Pennsylvania."

With the help of his brother-in-law and co-owner, Jack Stevens, the empty Sun City Plaza store was remodeled and turned into the Java Cow. Since then, the ice cream has been served to residents at home and those attending social events and organizations.
Rybczynski said customers shouldn't worry about not having their coffee or ice cream fix available. He's not closing the store and plans to stay open through next Dec. 10, when the lease expires and a buyer should be in place.

Reporter Paul Catala can be reached at (813) 865-1554 or at pcatala@mediageneral.com

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