Long Beach’s West End has never had much in the way of self-serve dessert. Kosher diners on the barrier island have relied on a scoop of Carvel or a slice from the local pizza shop after a day on the boardwalk, but a sit-and-scoop frozen yogurt spot with a real topping bar has been missing. That gap closed in July.
A Mechanic Trades Antifreeze for Frozen Yogurt
Michael Waldman spent years running an auto shop, greeting customers on what he calls some of their worst days: flat tires, breakdowns, repair bills nobody wants to pay. He wanted the opposite experience for his next venture. Together with business partner Judah Spector, Waldman opened Buddies Frozen Yogurt on West Beech Street, a self-serve shop built around one idea: give neighbors a low-key place to sit, relax, and hang out rather than grab a cup and leave.
The name fits the concept. Waldman has described Buddies as a spot for friends to meet up and linger, not just a quick stop for a treat on the way home.
Nine Flavors and a Serious Topping Bar
Buddies runs self-serve, with nine frozen yogurt flavors rotating through the machines. The real draw is the topping bar, which goes well past the usual sprinkles and gummy candy. Customers can load their cups with fresh cinnamon buns, brownie bites, pieces of cheesecake, and warm chocolate sauce poured tableside. It is the kind of build-your-own setup that rewards a second and third trip back to the bar.
Filling a Gap on Long Island’s Long Beach
While Long Beach’s kosher food scene is not huge, a dedicated froyo shop with a full topping bar was definitely a missing piece, especially for the summer tourists, and Buddies now gives local families and boardwalk crowds a reason to stick around after a swim instead of driving out of the neighborhood for dessert.
Buddies Frozen Yogurt is located at 1048 West Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561, in the former La Focacceria space.
Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Friday, and 9 PM to 1 AM on Saturday nights after Shabbat ends.
Kosher certification is under the South Shore Vaad, the only kosher certifying agency accepted on the Long Beach, Lido Beach, and Atlantic Beach barrier island.
Looking for kosher restaurants near you? Download the KosherNearMe app at YeahThatsKosher.com/app.
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