Ice cream was first sold at 145 Ackerman Street in 1902, when a shop called Raffettos's opened up. It became Van Dyk's in 1956 and has remained ever since. Located in a residential neighborhood off the main business strip, owner Demetrios Kotrokois says the shop has persisted because of word of mouth and tradition. "When you're somewhere that many years, people know you," he said. "Plus the ice cream is pretty good."
Founded in 2007, Red Mango is a national frozen yogurt chain with a franchise location on East Ridgewood Avenue. In addition to offering all natural, self serve frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings, Red Mango serves fresh fruit smoothies, fruit and yogurt parfaits and artisan hot chocolate. Visit Red Mango website for menu and nutritional information.
Ridgewood Nuts and Candy sells a wide variety of sweets including saltwater taffy, chocolates, jellybeans and lollipops. The store makes a variety of baskets and tins for all occasions and also sells balloons and balloon arrangements.
The Ridgewood location of the nationwide ice cream chain offers 30 flavors of ice cream and sorbet, specialty dessert creations and signature frozen beverages.
Open for five years in Ridgewood, Maggiemoo's makes its ice cream fresh daily, says owner Kathy Delgado. Candy mix-ins can be added to ice cream cones and cups. Ice cream cakes are also available.