The Bay Area has a new destination for ice cream treats as Antonio and John Guler hosted the grand opening of their first brick-and-mortar Mister Softee store on Montauk Highway.
“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 Shirley-based brothers run the shop with Antonio’s wife, Arianna, who helps keep the family operation running smoothly. The store offers classic Mister Softee soft serve, hard-scooped ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and Italian ices, along with seasonal specialties such as pumpkin spice and green ice cream timed for local holidays and events.
“The Guler family has taken a beloved Long Island tradition and given it a permanent home right here in Center Moriches,” said Brookhaven Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, who presented the family with a Town Certificate of Congratulations. “Their dedication to family, community, and small business is exactly what makes our town thrive. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with them and look forward to many years of sweet success.”
The family’s ice cream roots run 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.
Gerri Sapanaro, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, praised the new business. “Mister Softee is a great and welcome addition to our community,” she said, noting that the family donated the ice cream for the recent snapper derby.
The Gulers have been Mr. Softee franchisees for nearly a decade, operating trucks in Shirley, Mastic Beach, and Moriches.