It’s heating up on the North Shore, but it’s all cool at the latest restaurant and ice cream shop in Roslyn.
Founder Marguerite Loucas opened the second location of Cool Mess at the end of June after the 62nd Street location in Manhattan had been a success for about two years.
The mother of three, Loucas said she was struggling to find things to do with her children that would be entertaining and interactive, coming up with the idea for a restaurant that gives kids the power to choose their own flavors and toppings for a unique combination.
“The cool thing about Cool Mess is you can grab a scoop of Longford’s small batch ice cream or our cereal bar, but the real difference is the ice cream making at the table,” Loucas said.
Located at 1512 Old Northern Blvd. in Roslyn, the brightly colored store is filled with ice cream, candy and sweets, but Loucas said her family is known for their savory faire.
Loucas said her family founded Burger Heaven in Manhattan more than 70 years ago and decided to branch out with a family friendly experience in 2016, allowing patrons to make their own ice cream at the table, watching it go from a liquid vanilla or chocolate base to a thick ice cream with up to three toppings, such as mini gummy bears, chocolate chip cookie pieces, strawberries, caramel sauce or chocolate coffee beans.
Though Burger Heaven is well known as a New York City spot with locations on Lexington Avenue and East 53rd Street, the family’s roots stretch to Long Island.
“The Burger Heaven family is from Manhasset, and after we opened the first location in the city, people were asking us to add a second location all over Manhattan,” Loucas said. “I’ve been looking for place in Roslyn, anywhere on Northern Boulevard between Glen Cove Road and Community Drive, and we found it. This is a hub; people come from all over.”
Thanks to the family recipe, Loucas said in the first few weeks she has seen many repeat customers, many of which say the Burger Heaven burger is one of the best, topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and their signature house sauce.
Cool Mess also serves sandwiches and salads and is open for both lunch and dinner every day except Monday.
Those feeling less adventurous can ask the staff to create their sweet treats, including milkshakes, sundaes and anything from the cereal bar, where vanilla ice cream is mixed with any of cereal option like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles or Reese’s Puffs.
Reach reporter Amelia Camurati by email at acamurati@theislandnow.com, by phone at 516-307-1045, ext. 215, or follow her on Twitter @acamurati.
