When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
That’s exactly what Fitchburg State University student and veteran, Daniel “Sarge” Alicea is doing this summer.
Alicea can be spotted on his lawn on Pearl Street in Fitchburg, freshly squeezing lemons and limes and selling next-level roadside refreshment from his “The Sour Sergeant” lemonade stand.
Alicea says that his lemonade love is geared around being a veteran-owned and mission-ready lemonade stand built for helping to train the next generation – in particular his two sons – on financial literacy.
“It started as a way to bring joy to the community and teach my children about financial literacy, responsibility and customer service,” said Alicea, 40, who is majoring in human services at Fitchburg State. “It’s also a creative outlet for me—a blend of business, therapy and purpose.”
Alicea – originally from Bridgeport, Conn. – served in the United States Air Force for six active duty years and was deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait. The proud veteran held the rank of staff sergeant.
Besides being a full-time student on campus, Alicea also works as an assistant administrative director for a local mental health practice. That work grind doesn’t end there. Alicia is the co-owner of The Dynamic Rockers Academy – an academy that supports youth and families in the community through the Art of Breakin (Breakdance). He’s also the owner of Salsa Central, where they build confidence, move with joy and connect through Salsa dance.
The juggling act of family, entrepreneurship and schooling can be daunting at times, but Alicea has that positive mindset and go-getting attitude to do whatever he sets his mind to do.
“Balancing everything is a daily mission,” Alicea said. “I set family time, set goals for our businesses, and stay on top of my coursework. It’s not always easy, but my military training taught me discipline and adaptability. I make sure my sons see that hustle, but also know when to slow down and enjoy the process.”
The Sour Sergeant lemonade stand is open 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours may be altered in the event of rain or if they sell out of lemonade early.
Alicea’s 15-year-old son, Isaiah, is receiving on-the-job training, but more importantly he’s creating lifelong memories with his father.
“It’s a fun experience, to be honest,” said Isaiah. “I like to help give out good quality lemonades. I’ve made them for my family and they really like them a lot.”
The community has really come out and shown support for this local pop-up business.
“The first time we did this, my dad said that we’d be happy to get one customer, and now we get 25 a day, which is a lot,” Isaiah said.
Making lemonade can seem like a basic and boring task to some, but it has a far greater meaning to Alicea.
It’s therapy, and it brings Alicea great joy and purpose.
“The chopping, squeezing, mixing—each step is like a ritual that brings happiness and purpose,” he said. “It reminds me that something simple, like lemonade and a smile, can have a powerful impact in the community when done with love.”
The community is speaking out on social media and praising Alicea for his tasty lemonades. Even Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia stopped in to quench her thirst at The Sour Sergeant recently, and gave a positive review on Facebook.
“Business has been better than expected,” Alicea said. “We’ve seen consistent community support and built some incredible relationships with neighbors, students and veterans.”
Seeing Daniel, a proud veteran, out there for his kids running a lemonade stand is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, as we are always serving in different capacities. I had a cup myself, and it was as good as the example he’s setting for his children and our community.
Fitchburg State’s Director of Military and Veteran Services Nolan Buck said Alicea is another heartwarming and inspiring example of a student veteran that balances family life, entrepreneurship, and academics.
“Seeing Daniel, a proud veteran, out there for his kids running a lemonade stand is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, as we are always serving in different capacities,” Buck said. “I had a cup myself, and it was as good as the example he’s setting for his children and our community.”
The Sour Sergeant has a selection of different lemonade drinks, including the classic, strawberry, mango, cherry, raspberry and watermelon lemonade.
Alicea’s mission is simple: to provide the community with a healthier drinking option, to serve smiles, build community, and uplift spirits—one cup at a time.
“We honor discipline, service and heart, using lemonade as our medium,” he said. “It’s more than a drink, it’s a message.”
Alicea has a message for all he comes in contact with.
“To my fellow veterans, students, and dreamers—keep pushing,” he said. “You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step. Use your story as fuel. Lead with purpose. And remember, nothing is too small to become something great.”
Alicea’s goal is to keep showing his two boys that nothing is impossible, regardless of any obstacles in the way. It’s just like the current grind of trying to earn his bachelor’s degree and eventually pursue a master’s degree to “expand my work in mentoring, community outreach and entrepreneurship.”
He also is appreciative of what Fitchburg State has meant to him in his pursuit of higher education.
“Fitchburg State has been a huge support system for me as a veteran, from faculty guidance to the amazing Veteran Services department,” he said.