Long Islanders have a new reason to indulge in summer treats: Antonio and John Guler of Shirley are opening their first brick-and-mortar Mister Softee store on Montauk Highway in Center Moriches.
Antonio, 26, co-owns the store with his brother John, 31, while his wife, Arianna, helps with the family operation. The couple met while working at Savarona’s Pizzeria in Shirley, and together they have three young children, who Antonio jokes might “grow up with ice cream in their veins.”
“I’ve been dreaming about this location for three years,” Antonio said. “It was such a popular shop before, with lines sometimes stretching to the street. Now we’ll have customers coming inside, making everything faster and more comfortable.”
The store will feature classic Mister Softee soft serve, as well as hard-scooped ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and Italian ices. Seasonal and specialty flavors will include pumpkin spice for Halloween and green ice cream for St. Patrick’s Day, in time for Center Moriches’ huge annual parade.
The brothers’ connection to ice cream runs deep. Their grandfather, Giovanni DiGristina, was one of the original Mister Softee franchisees, starting in 1968. “He’s been here checking things out and giving us advice,” Antonio said. “He used to run his own ice cream store in 1995. When my grandmother passed, the store closed. This is like a revival for him, and for our family.” John added, “We did it for our grandfather. We’re going to keep his name alive forever.”
Mister Softee has been a Northeast favorite since 1956, when the Conway family of Pennsylvania launched the company. Known for its signature soft-serve trucks and jingles, Mister Softee now operates nationwide. The Gulers have been franchisees for nearly a decade, running four trucks in Shirley, Mastic Beach, and Moriches.
After years of negotiation, the brothers purchased the Montauk Highway space from Bernadette Kosinski in August. “We were lucky she decided to sell,” Antonio said. “It’s perfect for our first store and complements the seasonal truck business, which usually stops in November.”
The interior will mimic the classic Mister Softee trucks, painted in the familiar blue and decorated with photos and memorabilia. The Gulers are also partnering with Queens’ Lemon Ice King of Corona to offer eight flavors of Italian ice, adding even more variety to their menu.
The Gulers have been active members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches for six years, which will host a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials on September 19 at 2 p.m.
“We’re excited to bring something fun and nostalgic to the community,” Arianna said. “It’s more than ice cream—it’s family, memories, and a little bit of joy for everyone who walks in.”
With this brick-and-mortar store, the Gulers are offering year-round access to Mister Softee’s treats, extending the season for locals who have enjoyed their trucks for years.
Mister Softee, 252 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches. Open 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday—grand opening September 19 at 2 p.m.