Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour: A Favorite “Frozen” In Time

Massapequa's historic 1950s era Krisch's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour has managed to withstand the test of time, gaining momentum as one of the area's beloved treasures.

Krisch's opened in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn in 1920 before relocating to Hollis, Queens in 1934. It found a permanent home in Massapequa in 1955.

Despite difficult economic times, current owner and Massapequa Park resident Steve McCue said Krisch's business is stronger than ever and has somehow doubled. He credits the steady success to Krisch's rich history.

"People want that nostalgia and want to hold onto their past,"  McCue said.

"You get that nostalgia at Krisch's because we are not some recreated or retrofitted environment but rather an authentic 1950s setting."

McCue says Krisch's decor gives a sense of escape to his customers. "When people come here, they can get away from their everyday lives by re-emerging into an era of more innocent and simpler times,"he said.

Visitors to the restaurant are immediately transported back in time as they are greeted by the very same neon sign that first lit up the restaurant when it set its roots in Massapequa.

Inside, they are surrounded by vintage Coca-Cola signs, historic photos of Massapequa, old fashioned soda fountains and an old-school 10-stool counter.

Customers are treated to a good ol' fashioned burgers, fries and milk shakes and have their pick of more than 32 original, homemade ice cream flavors that include the likes of FlufferNutter, Cake Batter and Rainbow Cookie.

While Krisch's is considered a Massapequa jewel, it has also evolved into a Long Island treasure – attracting residents outside of Massapequa.

Bob Brooks, a 20 year Bellmore resident, has made Krisch's a part of his lifestyle and family. "I travel here once a week for the dessert," said Brooks. "For my kids, Krisch's is exciting because its old-school style is new to them. For me, it calls me back to my childhood days."

Vinny Maino and Michelle Breksa of Plainview are among those who have also made Krisch's part of their life."

"We come here every week," said Breksa. "It's our date night."

 "This place is really a time portal," Maino said.

"It gives you a way to escape your everyday stresses. Whenever you come here, your life becomes simpler and less complicated."

After buying  the business from the original Krisch's owners in 1993, McCue said he has been mindful of preserving Krisch's 1950s original aura and integrity.

But he's also ensured that the restaurant is up to date with the evolving food trends. He's introduced a series of specialty wraps and plans to eventually roll out a new line of panini sandwiches.

Although the cost of living has increased, McCue said he has maintained Krisch's reputation for its top food quality without raising prices, a feat that he believes has provided a sense of empowerment among his clientele.

"Because today's economic times are tough, people are faced with having to make sacrifices in their everyday lifestyle, which often starts with cutting out the luxury of enjoying a dinner out,"  he said.

 "No one likes to be told that they can't do something or that they can't go somewhere. Since our menu has been kept at an affordable price, people can still have the option to go out for dinner and enjoy that experience without having to make a compromise."

A Massapequa native, McCue received a birds-eye view of Krisch's business operations from his teenage years bussing and waiting tables at the restaurant. 

McCue said what made Krisch's such an attractive investment was its tremendous following.

But he admitted he was somewhat intimidated by taking over the iconic eatery.

"This was a very scary undertaking for me," he said. "I wasn't not only taking on the huge responsibility of operating a huge establishment but was also assuming the huge responsibility of upholding the historical significance and sentiment it had among the community. This was not just your typical business transaction; it was a personal transaction as well."

Seaford resident Kathy McGrory has first-hand knowledge of how Krisch's  has touched many lives. Her son met his wife while working at the restaurant.

She eats at Krisch's at least once a week and is pleased to see that its heritage very much alive.

"Steve has been doing a great job," she said. "He's been doing right by the Krisch's name and in upholding its sterling reputation and historic significance."

McCue intends to keep Krisch's rich past a relevant part of our present and future.

"Sure business is about making money, but for me it's also about the passion of the business," he said. "At the end of the day, it's rewarding to know that I am presenting a great product at a great price for great people. To see these people coming back each week tells me that I am living up to my responsibility in keeping Krisch's history alive."