Kilwins is back! Babylon’s favorite fudge shop reopens under new ownership

A Babylon favorite is back — and this time, it’s run by a chemist and a pharmacist.

Commack natives Teja and Manimalika Tunuguntla have reopened Kilwins on Deer Park Avenue after the shop closed earlier this year. Located at 130 Deer Park Ave., the franchised storefront is once again serving fudge, caramel apples, chocolates and ice cream — at lower prices than before.

The couple, who bought the shop on a whim this summer, never imagined their science backgrounds would land them in the sweets business. Teja is a chemist by trade, while Manimalika works as a pharmacist.

“I’m actually really good at making fudge,” Teja said with a laugh.

“There’s almost a science to it,” added Manimalika, who has become a pro at dipping caramel apples in chocolate, nuts and other toppings.

A fresh start

After taking over in July, the Tunuguntlas rehired the shop’s original employees and gave the space a light renovation before reopening in early August.

“They’re so happy with the prices,” Teja said. “We feel so welcomed here.”

The couple is celebrating with a grand opening event on Saturday, Aug. 30, featuring local officials and plenty of samples for the community.

Local Kilwins family

The Babylon reopening follows a recent change in ownership at Kilwins Patchogue. That Main Street shop was sold to the Viscount family of Mount Sinai, who also run the Kilwins in Port Jefferson.

For Teja and Manimalika, though, Babylon is where they wanted to be.

“We used to go to Babylon all the time, we love it here,” Teja said. “When we saw it was closed, I said, ‘Let me talk to the franchise,’ and then the opportunity to get this one opened for us.”

If you go

Kilwins Babylon is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Photos by Julianne Mosher