Eating Rye: Christine Vita Santorelli of Longford’s Ice Cream

Eating Rye is an occasional feature to meet the chefs and other professionals in the restaurant kitchens and food joints across Rye and nearby communities. When you dine-in, pick-up or call for delivery these are the folks working hard for you, your friends & family and your taste buds.

Do you have a suggestion for who we should profile on Eating Rye? Tell us.

Today we meet Christine Vita Santorelli of Longford’s Ice Cream.

Your Name: Christine Vita Santorelli

Your Role: Owner/President

Your Location: Longford’s Ice Cream (4 Elm Place, Rye)

MyRye.com: Describe yourself in a few words.

Santorelli: Hard working, Independent, Patient 

How long have you been the owner at Longford’s?

Santorelli: I’ve been the owner of Longfords for almost 25 years.

Previously, where did you work?

Santorelli: I started working at Longfords in 1995 as a server and then was promoted to manager. I also was a figure skating instructor at Playland Ice Casino.

What and when was your first paid job? 

Santorelli: My first jobs were babysitting and working at the Rye Recreation as a camp counselor.

Describe your path to becoming an owner.

Santorelli: I first started at Longford’s when I was 14. I worked throughout my high school years and took the role of manager in college. And then I bought the business at 19! When I transitioned from manager to owner, I had already operated the business, connected with the community and built and managed a staff. So when it was proposed to buy the business, I was ready. Plus, ice cream is fun, yummy, and a comfort food!!

What are three attributes that make someone a good business owner? 

Santorelli: Three attributes that make a good business owner would be patience, discipline and adaptability. Patience is important when helping customers and staff. Discipline keeps you reliable and responsible. Being adaptable will allow you to continue operating a small business when facing challenges and changes that come through the years. 

Describe your businesses clientele.

Santorelli: Our clientele ranges from all ages. Everyone loves ice cream. The surrounding communities are very loyal to us!

Describe the atmosphere of your business.

Santorelli: Our environment is best described as a family-friendly and small community atmosphere. We provide a welcoming environment to everyone, that includes our regular customers and new faces visiting Rye for the first time! 

Describe the physical attributes of your business.

Santorelli: Longford’s is a cozy storefront with ice cream decor and outdoor seating. With multiple ice cream flavors, including frozen yogurt, vegan ice cream, and dairy free sorbets, we have something for everyone! We’ve also been voted best ice cream in Westchester for over 20 years! 

Match a recommended ice cream with each season:

Santorelli:

Occasion	Recommended Meal
Warm summer evening	Lemon pie on a cake cone
Crisp fall afternoon	A scoop of Pumpkin and a scoop of Cinnamon with caramel topping.
Cold winter day	Hot fudge sundae or a pint to take home of mud pie!
Muddy wet spring night	Milkshake!

 

What is your favorite item on the menu and why?

Santorelli: Chocolate Chip. It’s a classic!

What’s the most underrated day of week and time of day to enjoy your restaurant? 

Santorelli: Tuesday afternoon – Fun Fact: Tuesdays is buy one get one free sundaes!!

Thanks Christine!