Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. nominated Eddie’s Sweet Shop at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills for historic status and stopped by on September 30, 2026, to celebrate the neighborhood’s classic ice cream parlor garnering its official place on New York State’s Historic Business Registry.

Eddie’s Sweet Shop has been part of Forest Hills life since it opened in 1909 and was originally called “Witt’s Ice Cream Parlor.” It dates back to the early days of the neighborhood, opening just three years after Forest Hills was named. William Witt ran the shop until he retired and moved to Florida in 1967. He sold it to the Citrano family.

In that same year, the Citrano family renamed it “Eddie’s Sweet Shop,” even though there was never an Eddie. Today, the place is owned by Giuseppe (Joe) Citrano and his son Vito Citrano, and they’ve kept the tradition going for generations. Their slogans – “Take your children to the place your grandparents had ice cream” and “A Forest Hills tradition for four generations”– capture what makes the place so special.

“Eddie’s Sweet Shop isn’t just an ice cream shop; it’s part of Forest Hills’ story. I’m proud to recognize Giuseppe and Vito Citrano for keeping this landmark going and for protecting its history for the next generation,” Addabbo said.

For more on Eddie's Sweet Shop, visit the Historic Business Registry listing.

https://parks.ny.gov/preservation/programs/business-registry