Eddie's Sweet Shop Fully Reopens After Dining Pause Amid Vax Rule

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — After a six-month-long hiatus, Eddie's Sweet Shop customers can once again eat banana splits and chocolate shakes at the same wooden booths where the parlor has served homemade ice cream for decades.

The beloved Forest Hills sweet shop — a neighborhood institution that's been at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue since the 1960s —went takeout only in September after the city's indoor vaccine mandate went into effect, but reopened this week for full indoor dining service just as the city reversed the mandate.

"Wednesday the 9th at 3 p.m. we will be fully opening up the tables and counter," Eddie's Sweet Shop announced in an Instagram post. "Thank you for your patience and your support by enjoying our ice cream no matter if it was to go only. We look forward to serving you at your favorite table, booth, or stool."

Eddie's return to indoor dining coincides with the end of the city's indoor vaccine mandate, meaning businesses no longer have to check customers' proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before letting them indoors.

The shop did not immediately respond to Patch's question as to whether it chose to reopen since the city dropped the vaccine rule.

When Eddie's first went takeout only, citing "new mandates," comments on the shop's social media pages quickly devolved into debates about the coronavirus vaccine and the city's then-vaccination mandate, Patch reported.

Some neighbors argued that Eddie's was robbing vaccinated customers of the chance to eat indoors, whereas others praised what they considered to be a "protest closure" in the face of the city's rule.

The response to the shop's reopening, however, has not been mixed: neighbors are simply glad to see Eddie's fully resume business, with dozens commenting heart and clapping-hands emojis on the shop's Instagram announcement.

"We want to thank you all for sticking with us during a difficult time," the shop wrote.

Eddie's Sweet Shop is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Related Article: 'New Mandates' Prompt Beloved Ice Cream Shop To Nix Indoor Dining