For the past 40 years, East Islip residents and ice cream fanatics alike have loved going to Pam’s Ice Cream Shoppe. With the large “Tuesday 2-for-1 on sundaes” sign printed onto the window, members of the greater East Islip community often view the deal as too sweet to pass up on as they drive down Carleton Avenue, just south of Sunrise Highway, and stop for a sweet treat.

Now, residents are saddened to hear that the East Islip staple is being sold.

The successful business known by all locals has been owned by the same family at the same location since 1970. When John and Shirley Ernst opened the store on Oct. 7,1970, the business was originally a Carvel. It became Pam’s Ice Cream Shoppe when the couple’s children, Pamela and her brother John Ernst, took over the business on Nov. 1, 1985.

After being behind the counter for over 50 years, Pam has made the difficult decision to retire and sell the business.

The decision has left the East Islip community with bittersweet feelings, as they are happy for Pam to enjoy her retirement after so many years of hard work, yet feel sentimental that their local ice cream shop is being sold.

“So many of the neighborhood kids got their first job working with her,” shared Eileen Coffey-Penny. “I am so very sorry to hear this, but Pam and her family have worked so very hard through the years and now deserve a break. She and her dad before her have been wonderful to the community. “

“They have the best ice cream and amazing employees,” added East Islip resident MaryAnn McKay Giannettino. “Pam is such a wonderful person. We are so grateful for all their years of service to our community

Pam’s Ice Cream Shoppe was there for families’ big celebrations, like birthday parties, even selling a large variety of balloons in the store to pair with delicious birthday cakes.

“So many ice cream birthday cakes, every one of them was amazing,” shared East Islip resident Chris Demetres. “The one that stands out for me had bowling pins and a bowling ball at the E.I. Lanes, when I think I was 12.”

The shop, located at 195 Carleton Avenue, is being sold by Robert Ferrera, with Migrate Realty LLC, for $130,000. This is a sale of the business only, and the buyer will assume the lease. The sale includes all inventory at the time of sale and all equipment. Anyone interested in purchasing the business is asked not to inquire in the store; rather, contact Rob Ferrara, broker at Migrate Realty, by calling 631-905-8814.

“We are hoping that whoever purchases the company will keep the values my family has had all these years by providing the community with familiarity and delicious ice cream. The running joke amongst my family is how many customers my mother and uncle could identify by their orders. They may not have known every customer by name, but they could always tell you what their usual order was,” shared Pam’s daughter, Krystal Annunizato Dasch. “My mother and uncle are so grateful for the many loyal customers they have had all these years, and the many customers and employees that have become so close they are more like family.  They hope that whoever takes over continues that, so that when customers come in, they feel welcomed and like they are visiting a friend.”