The Ice Cream Chick Opens In Huntington, Replacing Herrell's

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Ice Cream Chick opened in Huntington in July, replacing a longtime staple in Herrell's. The parlor is at 46L Gerard St., Huntington.

Christine Cairo, who owns the shop, spent more than two decades working at Krisch's in Massapequa. Cairo's brother owns Krisch's, and she received an offer to make the Huntington storefront a Krisch's satellite. Her husband, Paul Cairo, also said she could share the name Strong Island Ice Cream — the parlor he founded in Nesconset. However, Christine declined and opted to fly solo instead.

"I don’t want another man to ever tell me what to do again," Cairo told Patch.

The Ice Cream Chick serves the same ice cream and flavors as Krisch's, which range from the conventional vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and mint chip to the rare flavors of Twinkie, cotton candy, fluffernutter, and rainbow cookie.

Cairo will offer the same "kitchen sink" challenge ran at Krisch's: 10 scoops of ice cream, two toppings, waffle wedges, bananas, whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries. The challenge costs $49.99, but it's free for anyone who finishes the whole sundae within an hour.

The success rate is 1 to 2 percent, according to Cairo.

Huntingtonians loved Herrell's, which had been open since 2008. Cairo though said she doesn't feel pressure, as she plans to draw on her experience to deliver the town an enjoyable ice cream experience.

"They should come try the flavors," Cairo said. "I have no preset expectations of what it’s going to be like, and I’m sure they’re going to be happy."

Everyone who has come so far has been "great," she said.

Dogs are among the welcome customer base, and The Ice Cream Chick has options for your furry friends, too.

The Ice Cream Chick can be reached at 631-673-1100.