Not everyone can say they own the sweetest spot in town. But if you’re Albert Leggieri of Wayne, New Jersey, you absolutely can.
Leggieri and his wife Dana opened Hometown Creamery in September 2021 and never looked back. For Leggieri, this wasn’t just an investment opportunity, it was a passion project that had been living rent-free in his mind for close to two decades.
“I had been thinking about opening an ice cream shop for over 15 years. When my son Luca was born in 2020, I made a decision to go for it,” says the proud father of two. That decision turned into the start of something truly special in the Wayne community.
By the fall of 2021, Hometown Creamery opened its doors and started scooping joy by the cone. The following year, they expanded to a second location in North Haledon, proving that their sweet success wasn’t just beginner’s luck, it was the real (ice) cream of the crop.
Six days a week, the team at Hometown Creamery whips up small, fresh batches of their handmade ice cream. With over 30 flavors on the menu, including fan favorites like Coffee Oreo, Cannoli, and a Bailey’s or Kahlúa Fudge with a grown-up kick, there’s truly something for everyone. Leggieri's personal favorite? Oatmeal Raisin Cookie. It’s a nostalgic nod to the cookie jar, only colder and creamier. Fresh baked cookies are available too.
For those with dietary restrictions, Hometown Creamery doesn’t leave anyone out in the cold. The shop offers a variety of sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan flavors that are just as decadent and creamy as their dairy-rich counterparts. From classic staples to seasonal surprises, this place is designed for indecisive ice cream lovers who want to try it all.
But the secret ingredient at Hometown Creamery isn’t just the ice cream—it’s the people.
“Happiness is homemade,” Leggieri says, and that’s more than a tagline. It’s a guiding principle. Leggieri and Dana are both lifelong residents of Wayne, and they’ve built a business that reflects their love of community. The Creamery’s tight-knit staff is made up of friends and family. These are people who greet you with a warm smile and a generous scoop. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’re treated like one of their own.
That homemade, heartfelt touch extends to the shop’s design as well. Leveraging his background in building and remodeling, Leggieri designed both locations himself. The counters are crafted from reclaimed wood, giving each space a rustic charm that feels less like a business and more like a warm welcome home. And if you're lucky, you might even spot the Leggieris’ fully restored, red 1959 Chevy Apache pickup truck parked outside, a beloved mascot that adds a cherry-on-top kind of character to the brand.
But Leggieri and Dana’s vision goes beyond the brick-and-mortar shops. Hometown Creamery also hits the road with a custom-designed kiosk and a mobile ice cream truck available for events. Birthdays, weddings, block parties, you name it. They bring the scoops and the smiles, making every celebration a little sweeter.
And let’s face it, ice cream has always been more than dessert. It’s a feel-good food that hits the emotional sweet spot. One lick can bring you back to childhood, offer comfort after a long day, or turn a moment into a memory. At Hometown Creamery, those small joys are handcrafted daily, because emotional wellness can be found in the little things, like sprinkles, smiles, and sharing a cone with someone you love.
In just a few short years, Hometown Creamery has become more than just an ice cream shop. It’s a place where neighbors gather, where kids make memories, and where every cone is served with a side of nostalgia. It’s about family, flavor, and a whole lot of heart.
So next time you’re in Wayne or North Haledon, swing by Hometown Creamery. Whether you’re craving something cold, sweet, or simply a little bit of kindness, Leggieri and Dana and the entire staff have just the scoop for you.
To find out more about Hometown Creamery, their locations and the flavors of the week, visit hometowncreamerynj.com
Hilary Russo is a trauma-informed holistic practitioner, health coach, journalist, international speaker, and author. She is one of only 50 Certified Havening Techniques® Trainers worldwide and a certified practitioner of this neuroscience-based method. With a background in media and the military, Hilary brings first-hand insight to her work with clients facing secondary trauma, stress, and burnout. Her globally top-rated podcast, HIListically Speaking® (top 1.5%), features inspiring conversations with leading voices in holistic health, wellness, and neuroscience. Connect with Hilary at www.hilaryrusso.com or on social media @hilaryrusso.