Egger’s Ice Cream to open a seaside parlor

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With locally sourced produce like mint leaves in mind for this season’s freshly made product, Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor plans for its third borough location. The iconic ice cream outlet is setting up shop at the Urby residential complex in Stapleton.

Owner Danielle Raleigh says that the seaside outpost will be open year round starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 17. This new venue will open in the digs formerly home to Bodega, a small grocer. Located on Navy Pier Court, the space mirrors Coperaco Coffee across the street with its treehouse design.

Raleigh planned out her “regular format" with similarities to the flagship location at 1194 Forest Ave., West Brighton. The Urby setup will feature a counter section, main dining room for parties and ala carte service plus an area for a nostalgic candy display. There will also be a walk-up window for orders to go.

“The nice thing about Urby is there’s that waterfront area there. You can bring your dog there and walk around,” said Raleigh.

And she wants Staten Islanders to remember May 18th as Egger’s grand opening, a free event starting around noon with live music, face painting and “kid things true to Egger’s nature."

“We’re really excited to bring this down to Urby,” said Raleigh who promises Paint Nights just like the ones at the parlor’s two other locations in West Brighton and at Historic Richmond Town.

At Urby, says Raleigh, “We will be working with Olivia, the farmer, on some fresh mint leaves." Olivia Gamber, originally from South Jersey, is taking over the raised beds and rooftop gardens in the complex under the moniker “Rabbit’s Garden Farm.”

"We’re working on a special Urby flavor that will incorporate some of the locally sourced items from Olivia -- peaches, strawberries,” said Raleigh. In fact, she hopes to see fruit trees one day with stone fruits that can “sustain Egger’s ice creams.”

A FLOURISHING BUSINESS

Raleigh reflected on the Egger’s expansion so far over the last couple of years.

Last year, she opened a second location in the building that once housed a Boardwalk Empire set at Richmond Town. She’s also taken over the Historical Society’s gift shop space in the neighboring Court House.

Now, visitors to the historic village can find a candy store with an extensive coffee selection -- espresso, cappuccino, lattes, cold press coffee, etc. -- and baked goods from nearby Mark’s Bake Shoppe in Richmond.

Soon there will be tables and chairs set up on the concrete apron in front of the Court House. With WiFi in place, she envisions patrons sitting outside on a sunny day with laptops and Egger’s treats.

At Urby, says Raleigh, “We will be working with Olivia, the farmer, on some fresh mint leaves." Olivia Gamber, originally from South Jersey, is taking over the raised beds and rooftop gardens in the complex under the moniker “Rabbit’s Garden Farm.”

"We’re working on a special Urby flavor that will incorporate some of the locally sourced items from Olivia -- peaches, strawberries,” said Raleigh. In fact, she hopes to see fruit trees one day with stone fruits that can “sustain Egger’s ice creams.”

Raleigh is excited about the South Shore presence.

“We will still have gift items for Richmond Town. We’ve expanded. We’ll have Egger’s T-shirts, Egger’s ice cream scoopers...," said Raleigh. There are wooden wine bottle holders and cutting boards fashioned by Snyder Renovations, a woodworking company based on Staten Island.

And she’s delighted with the reception of potential patrons for the Urby venue. Raleigh said she’s already booked two birthday parties.

“And we haven’t even put official word out that we’re open,” she said.

Here are some of the local purveyors Egger’s uses.

Mobile barista Michael Bonvita’s and his Good Life Coffee Company are brewing at Egger’s in Richmond.

There’s also Staten Island’s own Cookies and Candles with candles that smell like assorted fresh baked cookies.

And Egger’s uses product from Mark’s Bake Shoppe -- croissants, donuts, cake pops, cookies and muffins.

Egger’s at Historic Richmond Town can be reached at 718-280-1442 and RichmondTown@eggersicecream.com. The store’s original location is 1194 Forest Ave., West Brighton; 718-981-2110, EggersIceCream.com. The new spot will be situated at 8 Navy Pier Ct., Stapleton.