Twenty-five years ago, three Tarrytown natives, a mother and her two daughters, opened the doors to a little homemade ice cream shop, determined to scoop up the flavors of their childhoods and share them with our neighbors. As they say themselves, “We wanted a place that felt like family: ice cream made fresh on the premises every single day, a cozy indoor space for rainy afternoons, and welcoming outdoor seating for warm Hudson River evenings.”
River Journal asked the three women who have made Main Street Sweets a mainstay of the Tarrytown community, Kathy Buonanno, Marlaina Bertolacci and Corie Buonanno, to tell us a little more about their family and their business. The interview has been edited for brevity.
River Journal: What made you choose Tarrytown to open Main Street Sweets?
Main Street Sweets: Our family decided to open our business in the town where our roots run deep, because we’ve always called this place home. Growing up here, we saw what the community was missing — a warm, welcoming spot where families and friends could gather and enjoy something special. We wanted to create more than just a business; we wanted to offer a fresh, homemade experience that felt like an extension of our own home. Opening our doors in a town that shaped us was our way of giving back to the place we’ve loved for decades.
RJ: What makes Main Street Sweets unique?
MSW: We offer something for everyone — from our homemade ice cream made fresh daily to vegan and dairy-free options that everyone can enjoy. You’ll also find specialty coffee brewed just right, along with locally made baked goods that pair perfectly with any treat. Everything we serve is crafted with care and given with a smile. We are proudly women-owned and operated, and from day one, we’ve been making our ice cream right on the premises. Our commitment to quality and community has never wavered.
RJ: How do you give back to the local community?
MSW: We’re proud to support many local organizations and causes that make a difference in our community. Over the years, we’ve partnered with groups like Make-A-Wish, the Foundation for the Tarrytown Public Schools, and Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Giving back has always been at the heart of what we do.
RJ: How would you describe your company’s progress so far?
MSW: After 25 years, the progress of the store is a true reflection of hard work, passion, and community support. What began as a small, family-run ice cream shop has grown into a beloved local staple — still rooted in the same values, but constantly evolving to meet the needs of our customers. We’ve expanded our offerings, embraced new generations of guests, and built lasting relationships with the people around us. It’s been a journey of growth, resilience, and sweet success.
RJ: Do you have specific goals for growth or significant changes in the near future?
MSW: Looking ahead, our goals for growth focus on deepening our connection with the community while continuing to evolve with the times. Most of all, we want to keep doing what we love — making people smile, one scoop at a time.
RJ: Any final thoughts for our readers?
MSW: We are so thankful and honored by the incredible support and acceptance our business has received over the years. This adventure started as a leap of faith, and we couldn’t be more grateful for how it has turned out. We deeply appreciate our amazing staff — their hard work, dedication, and passion have been at the heart of our success. We look forward to many more sweet years ahead.
