WILLISTON PARK, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A nearly 100-year-old ice cream shop on Long Island is looking for landmark status to keep the name of the business alive.
Hildebrandt's opened in Williston Park in 1927 and regulars continuously flock to the iconic destination to enjoy its famous milkshakes and delicious homemade chocolates.
Hunter Acosta's family has owned the business, which also serves up burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, since 1974 and until recently they have had the same landlord.
"Without our knowledge he sold the building so we didn't even have the opportunity to buy the building," Acosta said.
The new landlord is now raising the rent by $2,200 per month to a total of about $6,700 and the Acosta family said they cannot afford the hike.
"It's really hard because my grandparents are no longer with us, my mother is no longer with me, so this is really like a big part of our family," Acosta said.
However, the family is looking for landmark status from the local board. If approved, the name Hildebrandt's would remain, no matter who runs the business.
Williston Park's mayor told News12 that a public hearing must be held before the board can make a decision on the landmark status.
"It's like a big part of my life. All our regular customers have literally watched me grow up," Acosta said. "We're hoping they'll come to terms with the fact of how important the name Hildebrandt's is and what we are."
Many on social media have rallied behind the business in support of the move.
Acosta said the new landlord wants to remodel and put a café or ice cream shop in Hildebrandt's place with a different name.
Related
Related
