Longtime mechanic trades antifreeze for frozen yogurt in Long Beach

Michael Waldman spent years welcoming customers on some of their worst days.

Flat tires. Costly repairs. Unexpected breakdowns.

So the longtime mechanic decided to open something completely different: a frozen yogurt shop where the only decisions are flavors and toppings.

Buddies Frozen Yogurt opened in July on West Beech Street in Long Beach with a simple goal — give people a place to smile, relax and spend time together.

“No one is ever happy coming to my car shop, and I completely understand why,” Waldman said with a laugh. “So my business partner Judah Spector and I opened this place, and it’s the complete opposite. It’s like heaven every single day.”

The self-serve shop features nine frozen yogurt flavors and a topping bar that goes well beyond sprinkles and candy. Customers can pile on everything from fresh cinnamon buns and brownie bites to pieces of cheesecake.

“It all goes back to having fun here,” Waldman told Greater Long Island.

The name Buddies reflects that philosophy.

Rather than creating a place where customers grab dessert and head home, Waldman said he envisioned a neighborhood gathering spot where friends could meet, hang out and enjoy a treat together.

“‘Buddies’ is the perfect name because we wanted to open a place where people can meet their friends and hang out,” he said. “Not just pick something up and leave. It’s supposed to be a fun place.”

So far, that’s exactly what’s happened.

Waldman said watching customers of all ages enjoy the new shop has been the most rewarding part of opening the business.

“It makes me so happy to see people smile, people of all ages,” he said. “I know we did a good thing. That’s what makes me love coming to work.”