"Yes, We Are Open" Season 8 Episode 8-The Parlour

Yes, The Parlour Is Open!

In the season 8 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al is back in Ontario, visiting Brenda and Rick Coletta, owners of The Fry’s The Limit and The Parlour.

Located in Thornton, Ontario’s vibrant main street, The Parlour has been delighting locals and visitors for over 35 years. This family-run ice cream shop, known for its iconic bright green facade and giant cone, offers more than just frozen treats. With over 60 flavors, including both dairy and gluten‑free options, The Parlour excels at catering to all tastes. Flavors range from classic vanilla to inventive sorbets and vegan options. 

After decades in the corporate world, Brenda Coletta retired from her role as a Regional Operations Manager and found herself at a crossroads. While volunteering in her community, someone asked her what she really wanted to do next. Her answer? “I don’t know, maybe a food truck.” 

From that spark, a journey began. Brenda dove into research, business planning, and hands-on experience—working with over 60 food trucks to understand what made a fry unforgettable and poutine perfect. She wasn’t just looking for a new job—she was creating something of her own. 

Soon, she and her husband Rick launched The Fry’s The Limit, a passion-fueled food truck offering gourmet fries, creative poutines, and top-notch service. As it turned out, Brenda’s idea wasn’t crazy at all—it was the start of something delicious. 

Today, that dream has grown into a small-town favourite in Thornton, Ontario, where The Parlour, their brightly coloured ice cream shop, now stands alongside the original fry truck. Together, they serve up scoops, smiles, and savoury snacks.

From Truck to Treats: A Business with Heart 

The journey didn’t come without challenges. The couple launched their first truck in Bolton, then expanded to Brampton, where their food and service quickly gained a loyal following. Eventually, Rick left his own career to join Brenda full time, working shoulder to shoulder through long days and late nights. 

But they wanted something more—a location that would allow them to combine their love of food with a sense of place. When they found a struggling ice cream parlour in Thornton, they knew it had potential. It wasn’t just a new business; it was a new chapter. They packed up, moved in, and brought their vision to life.

Serving Up More Than Just Food

At The Parlour and The Fry’s The Limit, Brenda and Rick have built their business on relationships and real connections. Whether it’s a quick chat at the window or a memory made over a sundae, every guest matters. 

That’s why, when Brenda hires staff, she reminds them that great service is everything. “If you fail as soon as you interact with a customer, you're not going to grow my business,” she says. “I want them coming back tomorrow.” 

That focus on people, paired with the power of Moneris to keep payments simple and secure, has helped this family-run business thrive.

A Sweet Stop with a Savoury Twist 

Today, The Parlour and The Fry’s The Limit are more than roadside attractions. Whether you’re craving creamy scoops, crispy fries, or a little small-town magic, this is a place worth pulling over for. So next time you’re headed north, keep an eye out for the bold colours and even bolder flavours.  

Listen to the episode to know more: 

Subscribe now to hear them as they publish each week!

You can learn more about The Parlour & The Fry’s The Limit at thefrysthelimit.com.

Author Profile

Al Grego

Author Profile

Al Grego is the producer and host of the multi-award-winning Yes, We Are Open and Just Good Business podcasts for Moneris. His interests outside of work include podcasting, blogging, and music.