New Ice Cream Store Coming to Mineola Boulevard

Little league players in the will have a new ice cream parlor to visit after their games just in time for their season after the unanimously granted its approval.

Mineola resident John Sandler and wife Lisa of JTS & JBS Corp. came before the board at the on March 14 for a special use permit to open an Uncle Luigi’s Ices and Ice Cream Store at 254 Mineola Blvd. The location was previously home to .

“Our vision is to have a local, friendly establishment in Mineola where we can give back to the community through special events and discounts for the local sports teams, senior citizens and other neighborhood groups,” Sandler said.

There would be no cooking done in the store, just serving prepackaged ices and ice cream and drinks as well as sugar-free items. Deliveries would take place once a week on Saturdays with ice cream in 2.5 gallon containers “similar to milk cartons,” Sandler said. When emptied the containers are folded flat for disposal. Cups and spoons served to customers would be the only other trash, which Sandler described as “minimal” since many customers would presumably take the dessert to go. Garbage would be stored in covered cans and pickup would be done through the village’s sanitation department.

Hours of operation would vary depending on the season, but would range from 11 a.m. to either eight or 11 p.m. seven days a week according to Sandler, admitting that he is “not sure” if they would remain open year-round. “There’s a good likelihood that we’ll be closed from December through March but we may decide to stay open and see how business is; we’d determine that as we go.”

Sandler said that he is looking to employ local residents including college students and students. There would be approximately one to four employees in the business. Security cameras with night-vision capability would monitor the inside and exterior of the building.

A large portion of the business is expected to come from walk-ins from people along Mineola Boulevard – 80 percent on the evenings and weekends according to Sandler.

“We don’t think there’s going to be a large influx of vehicles,” he said.

Metered parking is available in the front of the location and a municipal lot is located on Washington Avenue. The location also has a small lot in the rear of the building with 10 spaces available for use on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays. Since Washington Avenue is a fire zone, Sandler said that if employees see anyone parking they would ask the person to move their vehicle.

The store would have approximately eight to 10 seats inside. There are no plans for outdoor seating. Sandler stated that the facility would not have large crowds waiting outside “because the facility is large enough that – some other stores you have to wait outside – our store there’s plenty of open area” and can fit about 50 people inside “with no problem.”

The store has space of 1,000 sq. ft. with 300 sq. ft. of work space.

“I hope you do have that problem,” said, grinning. “I hope they’re lined down Mineola Boulevard.”