Gary Santos – EastProv Hospitality 2026
At Sunshine Creamery in Rumford, RI, there is one question customers have come to ask throughout the season:
“What’s Sunshine Creamery’s Sundae of the Week?”
The excitement of discovering each week’s new Specialty Sundae has become part of what makes Sunshine Creamery special. Each week, customers stop by wondering what new creation is waiting behind the counter. Will it be inspired by a holiday? A seasonal favorite? A nostalgic dessert? Or a creative combination nobody expected?
Every Specialty Sundae has a story of creativity, family, and tradition — and at the center of that story is the young entrepreneur who has helped transform a simple weekly idea into one of Sunshine Creamery’s signature experiences.
At the center of those imaginative creations is Sydney Winsor, a young entrepreneur and college student whose creativity, passion, and connection to the family business have helped turn a simple weekly idea into a tradition customers look forward to every season.
What began as a teenager’s idea while working behind the counter has grown into something much bigger — a tradition that gives customers a reason to return each week and discover what Sydney has created next.
Sydney’s story with Sunshine Creamery began long before she created her first Specialty Sundae.
When she was just 8 years old, her family purchased Sunshine Creamery. However, the Winsor family’s connection to the Rumford ice cream shop started even earlier.
Through their family business, S.B. Winsor Dairy, Inc. (known as Winsor Dairy), a Johnston, RI-based dairy processing and ice cream manufacturing company, the Winsors already had a connection to Sunshine Creamery, supplying ice cream to the shop before eventually acquiring the business. The decision to take on Sunshine Creamery allowed the family to add a retail experience to their long-standing ice cream business, giving the next generation an opportunity to help shape its own chapter of the family story.
And that next generation turned out to have some creative ideas of her own.
At age 15, Sydney began working at Sunshine Creamery. Somewhere between serving customers, learning the business, and developing her own connection to the shop, she started experimenting with Specialty Sundae ideas.
Her first creation was the Cookies & Cream Sundae.
The creation was a success — and more importantly, it marked the beginning of what would become a Sunshine Creamery tradition.
Today, Sydney’s Specialty Sundae ideas can come from almost anywhere.
Sometimes inspiration comes from holidays and seasons, like the Fourth of July-inspired Cherry Bomb Sundae or classic fall flavors like the Apple Pie Sundae.
Other times, ideas come from Sydney’s own tastes, popular dessert trends, or suggestions from friends, family, and the Sunshine Creamery team.
And that team is a big part of the story.
While Sunshine Creamery is a family-owned business, the Sunshine Creamery family extends far beyond relatives. The dedicated team members who help make the experience special have become like extended family themselves.
They take pride in what they do. They care about the customers they serve. They treat Sunshine Creamery as if it were their own.
That same sense of connection is part of what makes the Specialty Sundae tradition work.
A suggestion can become an idea.
An idea can become a Specialty Sundae.
And a Specialty Sundae can become a memorable experience.
One of the best examples of that family creativity came from an unexpected place.
Following the passing of legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne, Sydney’s dad suggested creating a tribute sundae honoring the iconic musician. It was a suggestion that came from a different generation — a connection to a rock legend her dad appreciated — but Sydney immediately saw the creative opportunity.
The result was the Ozzy Rock & Roll Sundae, a creation inspired by the rock legend’s favorite treats and flavors, including chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, Cocoa Pebbles, Oreo pieces, and a Swiss Roll topping. It was a fun tribute that became a big hit with customers and a memorable moment in the Sundae of the Week tradition.
It was also a perfect example of what makes Sunshine Creamery special: great ideas can come from anyone.
Sydney also has a creative advantage through her family’s connection to Winsor Dairy. When an idea calls for something unique, she can work with her dad to create a special micro-batch of ice cream specifically for a new creation.
An idea can move from imagination to reality.
And sometimes, that idea becomes part of the Sunshine Creamery menu forever.
The Sea Salt & Sunshine Sundae, inspired by the flavors of Rhode Island, and the Banana Pudding Sundae both began as Specialty Sundaes before becoming everyday menu offerings.
Looking back on the journey from that first Cookies & Cream Sundae to the many creations that followed, Sydney appreciates what the tradition has become
“I am so pleased that something I started as a teenager has grown into a tradition that customers look forward to every week. Seeing people enjoy the ideas I create is one of the most rewarding parts of it.”
Today, Sydney is 21 years old and attends Florida Southern College, where she studies Business Administration and Marketing.
When she graduates next year, she plans to focus more of her attention on helping take Sunshine Creamery to another level.
She already has plenty of ideas and plans for the future.
Exactly what those plans are?
We’ll just have to wait to get the scoop.
One thing is certain: the creativity behind Sunshine Creamery’s Specialty Sundaes is not slowing down.
When You Visit Sunshine Creamery…
Inspired by Sydney’s story? There’s even more to discover when you visit Sunshine Creamery.
The menu features everything from hand-dipped ice cream cones and cups to thick shakes, ice cream sodas, floats, freezes, and more. You can also take home hand-packed ice cream and frozen yogurt in pint and quart containers.
Sunshine Creamery takes pride in the little details, including its own homemade whipped cream, made fresh to top customer favorites like the Sunshine Creamery Banana Split. And don’t forget the Pup Cups, so even your four-legged friends can enjoy a sweet treat.
Sunshine Creamery is located at 305 N Broadway, East Providence, RI.
Follow Sunshine Creamery on Facebook at facebook.com/SunshineCreameryRI for weekly Specialty Sundae announcements, seasonal creations, and more.
At EastProv Hospitality, we’re proud to share the stories behind the people and places that make our community special. We hope you’ll stop by Sunshine Creamery, say hello to Sydney and the team, and experience one of Rhode Island’s sweetest traditions for yourself.
