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Frank Magnotta has the scoop when it comes to picking perfect spots for a Ralph’s on Long Island.
The former car mechanic has been doing it for more than 14 years as a franchise owner of Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices. On Memorial Day, he officially brought that frozen treat magic to one of Mount Sinai’s busiest hubs — “The Shack” in North Shore Heritage Park.
“Pretty overwhelming for the first day,” Magnotta, 64, said, describing the holiday traffic at his new business. “It was great. If it’s going to be like that every weekend, it’s going to be an awesome summer.”
Beginning this Sunday, weather permitting, the new Ralph’s will stay open from noon to 8 p.m. every day, Magnotta said.
The Heritage Park spot marks Magnotta’s fourth Ralph’s location. He also owns stores in Ronkonkoma, Miller Place and just up the road in Mount Sinai near the popular Land & Sea Fish Market, which he also owns.
The new setup, embedded inside the town park where baseball and soccer games, as well as concerts and movie nights, are the norm, is a little different.
“This place is always busy,” said Magnotta, a Long Beach native who previously owned and operated Larnor Diagnotics in Island Park for three decades. “On Saturdays and Sundays, there’s always something going on. I’ve been eyeing the park for years.”
Magnotta said it was a conversation with food truck operators — regulars at the park’s “Food Truck Friday” events — that helped tip the scale. One of them passed along Magnotta’s interest to Brookhaven officials.
“Next thing you know, I got my lease in my hand,” said Magnotta, noting that he signed a five-year lease.
The park location carries about 64 of Ralph’s most popular flavors, alongside soft-serve ice cream, shakes, smoothies, sundaes and signature icebergs.
“It’s a great little spot,” Magnotta said. “We’re ready for a great season.”
James Sullivan, the facilities manager for the North Shore Youth Council, said the park couldn’t found a better fit for The Shack than Magnotta and Ralph’s.
“Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices is an institution on Long Island,” he said. “And to have someone like Frank, who not only is a great ambassador for Ralph’s but is someone who is already well known and liked in the community, is such a bonus for the park and the people who use it.”
Top photo: Courtesy image.
