Dan Foley, owner of King Kone in Pearl River, says the opportunity to expand into New City was too good to pass up.
“The location feels right and the atmosphere feels right,” says Foley. “King Kone can really be part of the community.”
He hopes to open King Kone II on the Thursday before July 4.
Even though a banner fills the storefront, work is continuing to get the shop ready by next week.
“We emptied the whole place out and restored everything,” Foley says. “It’s going to be over-the-counter service with three service windows. The menu will be identical to what we have in Pearl River.”
From floor to ceiling everything was replaced and new machinery was brought in. In May, the former owner of was indicted on drug sales and possession and was evicted from the building.
Foley says duplicating King Kone’s family atmosphere at the new location is important to him.
“People don’t only come for the ice cream but the atmosphere,” he says, adding they want it to be a family friendly place.
Foley, 38 years old, promises the same old-fashioned soft serve custard made daily and level of service at the 145 South Main Street location.
“We serve the old fashioned custard,” the West Nyack resident says. “That’s what separates us from the rest. It has a silkier feel to the palate than regular ice cream does.”
Foley says there is something special about ice cream.
“We have an opportunity to put a smile on people’s faces for at least five minutes a day,” he says. “You never see anyone eating an ice cream cone with a frown on their face.”
He says his staff has been complimented on how they treat customers and they take pride in their jobs. The Pearl River King Kone on Middletown Road is a family-operated business that Foley’s parents started in 1995. He took over five years ago but his parents are still involved.
Summer hours for King Kone II once it opens are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. It will close at the end of November and reopen in early March.
Both locations will close on September 11 in memory of Foley’s brother, Thomas J. Foley, a New York City firefighter with Rescue 3. His name is on a memorial in New City.
Foley has strong ties to the area. He grew up in West Nyack, attended Clarkstown South High School and has lots of family and friends in Clarkstown.
Foley signed a 15-year lease for the location. Bruno Vippolis, who owns the building, thinks the new business will be very successful.
“I think he is going to do incredible,” says Vippolis. “He has a great reputation.”
Those interested in applying to work at the new store can go to www.kingkonenewcity.com.
