The owners of Fort Dodge’s longest running ice cream shop will soon be getting into the coffee business.

Jo and Rich Seltz, owners of the Dariette, announced Tuesday night that they have purchased Central Perk and Dessert, 14 S. 14th St., from Darcy Lee.

“We have great things to come in 2022,” said a post on Dariette’s Facebook page. “Central Perk is able to suit all your coffee needs from a latte to an iced coffee even just a classic drip coffee. They also have baked goods and serve lunches.”

The Seltz family promised more updates to come.

The Dariette has been open in Fort Dodge since 1947.

Meanwhile, Lee announced that she will be retiring now that she’s sold the business.

“It has been my family’s sincere pleasure to bring you the type of coffee and coffee shop you deserve,” she said in a Facebook post. “The shop has been serving you the freshest roasted coffee for 11 years. But the idea for the coffee shop was conceived many years before that. You welcomed my family to Fort Dodge 20 years ago and have treated us like family and old friends. We are truly grateful for your friendship.”

Lee is confident that the new owners will continue the success of the coffee shop.

“I cannot think of a better family to take our coffee shop into the future,” she said. “They will take excellent care of you.”

Lee assured customers that Kaleb Ferry, who she described as her “extra son,” will still be at the drive-thru each morning to remember customers’ coffee orders.

“I could not have run this coffee shop without my right hand man,” Lee said. “You will not find a finer barista. I will miss seeing you every morning and ‘living the dream’ as you like to say. You, sir, have been a dream employee.”

Lee added, “With that, my friends, I am officially retired. It’s time for me to spend more time with my family and my pets. I love you all; thank you for the memories.”