No need to chase the jingle – Mister Softee is now stationary.
The iconic ice cream man has parked in Long Island, putting down roots with its first-ever brick-and-mortar shop earlier this month – in a move that was mint to be, according to its franchise owner.
“People love Mister Softee. And sometimes when the truck is driving too fast, they can’t catch them, so the store is a really good idea,” Jimmy Ilya told The Post.
Ilya, 54, drove a Mister Softee truck in the Hamptons every summer dating back to 2010 – and always wanted to churn the game.
“I was always planning to open a store, but this business was only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We didn’t have income during the winter, so it was very difficult. But I tried to save money, save money – and it finally happened,” recalled Ilya, adding that he bought the store in November of 2024.
Since its March 1 debut at 195 Carleton Ave. in East Islip – the former home of Pat’s Ice Cream Shoppe for 40 years – cone-crazed customers have been lining up around the block, desperate for a taste of Mister Softee classics.
In addition to its famed soft serve, creamy milkshakes and sundaes, the store offers 40 hard ice creams that range from M&M to Italian caramel to RedBull flavors.
“We are really happy, and business has been so good. I think a lot of people have been waiting for this,” Ilya said.
“My goal is to make people happy. People love it – the kids especially. …When they see ice cream, they start laughing and they just love it. That’s why I love this business so much,” said Ilya.
