Jeanie, why did you decide to start Sundaes on Main?
“We wanted to bring a fun family-friendly business to the Hamptons. When I travel with my husband, Tom, and kids, we always love a good candy and/or ice cream shop and thought it would be a good fit for us.”
Why did you choose Bridgehampton as the backdrop for this sweet treat haven?
“Availability. The location was available. At the time we were looking for retail space, there weren’t a ton of options, but when our agent presented the building to us, we knew it was perfect. And the more we studied Main Street, the more we realized it was a perfect location.”
Were there any big turning points or challenges that shaped the business?
“Not one specific thing. Just being present and always here helps me grow the business in a direction that suits our customers wants and needs. Maybe one was the decision to not carry the tart Froyo. It seems like such a controversy, like people think you’re not a legit frozen yogurt place because you don’t have tart, but really, it just didn’t perform all that well. I’ve found other flavors that sold better and stuck with those.”
What values are at the core of your business?
“To be accommodating and friendly but also stand firm in holding customers to a certain standard of being a good person and being respectful when in the shop. I expect good from my employees, but also my customers, as they also set a tone for others in the shop.”
What are your bestsellers?
“For ice cream in the shop, the pineapple creamsicle. Overall, customers love our homemade whipped cream. For toppings, of course rainbow sprinkles. For candy, gummies, which far outsell chocolate, although we’ve started to gain traction for our licorice selection (my favorite!), so I’ve also seen those sales increase.”
What does a typical day at the shop look like for you?
“Nonstop running. I’m usually in the shop around 10 a.m. and leave around 1 a.m. I’m hands-on with everything and very particular. If I decide I don’t like the way a display looks or is performing, I’ll stay all night to take it down and start over. The bulk-candy bins and ice cream machines are constant upkeep and require a lot of attention to keep things fresh and delicious.”
Have you considered opening other locations in the Hamptons?
“My husband has, but I haven’t! Maybe if the right location comes along, we can entertain that, but for now I’m happy with the one Bridgehampton location.”
We have to ask: What’s your go to frozen yogurt order?
“Southampton salted caramel and Bay Beach blackberry with chocolate sprinkles—and if I’m feeling crazy, some peanuts!”
Sundaes on Main is located at 2414 Main Street, Bridgehampton.
