“America’s Freshest Ice Cream” has made its way to Sunset Park and is ready to make it official with a celebration.
Famous ice cream shop chain Carvel — in existence since 1934 — has made its grand entrance into Sunset at 5803 Fifth Avenue.
Although the store has been open for two months, the grand opening will take place on June 7 from 2-7 p.m. The event will include a DJ, kids entertainment, and an appearance by mascot Fudgie the Whale, named after the chain’s most popular cake. Attendees will receive junior soft ice cream cones.
Scott Colwell, president of Carvel, told this paper how excited he and the long time franchise are to bring one of six Carvels in the borough to the area.
“There are several Carvel shoppes dispersed throughout Brooklyn, and Sunset Park is a great new addition,” he said. “It has been loved by young and old for many generations, and has always served America’s Freshest Ice Cream to New York City’s largest melting pot of neighborhoods for 84 years.”
Since April’s soft opening, the reception has been solid, Colwell said.
“The response has been great,” he noted, adding, “This Carvel will have our updated interior design that we launched a few years ago. Features of the shoppe include a digital menu board, a larger display area for cakes and a full bar for toppings.”
Colwell hopes that the Sunset Parkers will continue to support the store, especially throughout the summer months.
“Carvel’s goal is to put a smile on the face of every customer,” he said. “We hope that the Sunset Park neighborhood will enjoy our ice cream, whether it’s a junior cone, a Fudgie the Whale cake, Cookie Puss or a flying saucer, and create memories with friends and family in our new shoppe location.”
So far, locals have been loving the location.
“No longer do Sunset Park residents have to travel out of the area for Carvel,” said Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District Interim Executive Director Cathy Williams. “I have gone numerous times. The (employees) are very friendly and (the space) is clean. Of course, they also have great ice cream. We love their ready-made desserts in packs too.”
“Oh man I’m going to be in trouble; that’s the only place I go eat ice cream,” said Miriam Torres.
“First Popeye’s, now Carvel,” said Maria Talavera. “My heart can’t take any more good news!”
“I love Carvel ice cream,” added Nancy Quilty.
According to Colwell, attention to detail is an important ingredient in Carvel’s longevity.“Carvel holds a special, nostalgic place in the hearts of many Americans,” he said. “We’re proud to be a staple for generations of families, reminding them to celebrate all of life’s special occasions with handcrafted ice cream cakes from Carvel. We have long been a leading innovator in the frozen desserts category, bringing unique and in-demand flavor profiles to soft ice cream and other frozen dessert items, and we continue to introduce new flavors like Cookie Butter Soft Ice Cream, Kit Kat and Oreo cookie.”
