Carrollwood sisters make their business dream come true with ice cream

CARROLLWOOD — When the for sale sign went up at Tanya & Matt's Ice Creamiest, the four Zambito sisters decided it was the right time and place to fulfill their vision of going into business together.

"We've always wanted to do something together," said Kristine Zambito. "We do everything together. We're all very creative and entrepreneurial."

The Zambitos are fourth-generation Tampa natives, and nearby Zambito Road is named for their grandfather. Sisters Kristine, Kellie, and twins, Katie and Kayla, bought Tanya & Matt's which has been in Carrollwood since 1991.

They decided to keep the name and the original ice cream recipes, but have put their own touch on the ice cream shop.

The sisters cleaned, painted and added the new 'sprinkle room.' They also created new ice cream flavors, such as the popular apple pie.

Kayla Zambito makes all of the ice cream and loves to get suggestions from customers. There are more than 200 flavors, with 44 available at all times.

The menu includes hand- scooped ice cream, milkshakes, floats, sodas and frozen yogurt. Hand -packed ice cream is available for birthday parties and events.

Since taking over Tanya & Matt's, the sisters said they have received a great response from the community. And they enjoy owning a business in Carrollwood, where they grew up and still call home.

"We love it here," said Kristine Zambito, co-owner. "It's so special to us."

Matt & Tanya's Ice Creamiest is located next to Beef O'Brady's at 15742 N Dale Mabry Highway. It is open 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (813) 533-3314 or visit facebook.com/tanyaandmattsicecream.com.

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