Main Street in Riverhead is about to get sweeter.
Angela and Steven Siliato, high school sweethearts from Wading River, are opening a Ben & Jerry’s on East Main Street this summer.
After months of planning and preparation, Angela says they’re now gearing up for an opening at 87 East Main Street, just in time to serve the summer crowds.
“We’re pushing for June, as early as we can, to get the whole season in,” said Angela on Wednesday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Angela and Steven’s journey into the ice cream biz didn’t come from a lifelong dream — more like a perfect opportunity that found them at the right time.
“Steve comes from a family-owned business — they still own Siliato Liquors in Miller Place,” Angela said. “And I come from retail pharmacy. I’ve always liked working with the public. It’s very gratifying for me.”
After having three kids, the couple started thinking seriously about launching something of their own.
“We decided we wanted to own something,” Angela said. “We stumbled upon a Ben & Jerry’s and fell in love with it.”
Riverhead, Angela said, felt like the right fit from the start.
“Riverhead has been on my radar because it’s close to home,” she said. “They have the aquarium, the Suffolk Theater — a lot of family-orientated stuff out there.”
“They were issued a grant and have this redevelopment plan that’s supposed to break ground this summer,” she added. “We’re aligning with that whole plan.”
IF YOU GO
The new Ben & Jerry’s will take over the old Riverhead Grill location at 87 East Main Street — a “beautiful corner spot” with seating inside and plenty of room to scoop.
“It’s actually a pretty huge space for what we need,” Angela said. “We’re going to carry it all — sundaes, milkshakes, non-dairy ice cream, vegan options, and of course, the signature waffle cone.”
Angela’s current favorite flavor?
“Oh my gosh — Dulce De-lish,” she said. “It has toffee bites in it. But I have to rave about Dirt Cake, too. My kids and husband are obsessed with it. Sadly, it’s getting discontinued.”
The shop, which will be open year-round, will also sell pints to go, and they plan to offer ice cream cakes and event catering down the line.
MORE
Riverhead isn’t the only Long Island town getting a taste of Ben & Jerry’s. Back in October 2024, a new location opened at 17 E. Main St. in Patchogue, taking over the former Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery space.
The shop was opened by Abhishek and Nisha Sachdeva, a couple from Jericho who also own Taj Crown of India restaurant in East Setauket. The Sachdevas previously told GLI that they plan to open another Ben & Jerry’s location on Long Island, at the Station Yards complex in Ronkonkoma.
PRIOR COVERAGE
Top: Angela and Steven Siliato with their children Mia, Marco and Gianni. (Courtesy photo)
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