Froze Zone has what it takes, winning Best Ice Cream Stand in Central Mass.

When the last licks were done in the Telegram & Gazette’s search for Best Ice Cream Stand in Central Massachusetts, West Boylston’s Froze Zone was the clear choice of taste-testing readers.

After more than 135,000 votes and countless spoonfuls, the heated, frozen-treat competition saw Froze Zone coast past Trombetta’s Farm of Marlborough, the other finalist.

Owned and operated by the 29-year-old gelatician Anthony Surabian, the 6-year-old Froze Zone scooped it out against a strong lineup of tasty destinations throughout the region, with readers having the final say.

Froze Zone topped Trombetta's with 58% of the 135,034 total votes. The count was 78,793 to 56,241.

The bracket-style contest began with 16 stands and included four knockout rounds, with Froze Zone and Trombetta's squaring off for weeklong voting that ended at 6 a.m. Monday.

Trombetta's is a 45-year-old family business started by Charles Paul Trombetta Sr. and carried on by his three children, Charles Paul Trombetta Jr., Anthony Trombetta and Laura Barsamian.

Monday, Surabian said he feels his customers made the difference.

“I have customers that absolutely love my product, appreciate what myself, my wife and my team do,” Surabian said. “I’ve had so many come in and saying, ‘We’re rooting for you.’ I think that’s what made the difference.”

The search for the best stand in the region was a spirited one. Some readers offered a chilly reception to Froze Zone being listed as a contestant, citing its specialty of gelato and other non-traditonal ice cream offerings. We gave it a spot because of its standing as a destination for a summer treat.

“Gelato is a form of ice cream," Surabian said. "The only difference is butter fat levels are lower, which makes it healthier.

"To me, it’s just ice cream, just better. It’s creamier and stronger in flavor.”

Surabian said one the key factors that helped establish his name recognition and build a loyal fanbase was opening a stand at the Worcester Public Market.

“It gave me a lot of foot traffic of people trying my product because it’s people from all over Worcester, especially in the beginning, especially on the weekends, go in there,” Surabian said.

For those wondering what victory tastes like, Surabian - who was getting together frozen treats for a wedding he was catering Monday - said he might whip up a special gelato in recognition of being named the Best Ice Cream Stand in Central Massachusetts.

Surabian woke at 7 a.m. Monday to a barrage of congratulatory text messages.

“For everyone who voted for me, I appreciate taking the effort in doing that,” Surabian said. “And anyone who voted against me or never tried it, I hope this gives them a reason to stop in the store and see what we’re talking about.”

And Surabian had nothing but nice words for the competition’s runner-up, Trombetta's Farm.

“Any shop, especially who makes its own ice cream, I know how hard it is to make it and keeping up with making it,” Surabian said. “And I know Trombetta's Farm is a great ice cream shop that a lot of people love.”

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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Froze Zone of W. Boylston wins Best Ice Cream Stand in Central Mass.