Gies brothers open up in Bellmore

Sitting up late one night, in the day’s before Hershey’s of Bellmore was set to open, Tommy Gies said he recalled a time when he and his two brothers, Ronnie and Bobby, sat at their dinner table in Merrick with their late father, Ronnie, discussing the best way to make a perfect egg cream. The key, as many good New Yorkers know, is to place a metal spoon in it with the back facing up; though seemingly simple, the process took a couple of hours of explaining, Tommy recalled with a laugh.

That sense of determination and humor are just a few traits that their father passed on to his sons, Carol Gies said. Her husband, Ronnie, a New York City firefighter, was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Her sons were still teenagers when they lost their father; they are now grown men.

Tommy, 28, is married with a 2-year old daughter; Ronnie, 26, is married; and Bobby, 24, has his eyes set on the FDNY, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father and older brothers. All three are volunteer firefighters with the Merrick Fire Department, just like their father.

The Gies brothers are close, so it wasn’t a surprise when they decided to go into business together. It seemed like the next natural step to everyone who knows the family. “We’re best friends, we’re extremely close,” Bobby said. “Who better to go into business with?” And, he noted, “What’s better than ice cream?”

Hershey’s of Bellmore is a throwback to a simpler time. The ice cream shop is decorated in a 1950s theme, and oldies tunes blast from the speakers. The store offers ice cream, from cones to shakes, with a variety of toppings. Each brother had a say in how the store was decorated, and, of course, a say in the many ice cream flavors that are offered. Tommy’s wife, Stephanie, and Ronnie’s wife, Alyssa, are also involved in the shop. At least one of the five will be at the store at all times. “We’ve all had our own ideas and input,” Ronnie said. “Our whole family has been a huge support system.”

Carol said she has a good feeling about the future success of the new ice cream parlor. It’s in a great location, said Carol, who grew up in Bellmore and has fond memories of spending summer days on Bedford Avenue. While other 20-somethings are still figuring out their dreams and aspirations, Carol’s sons have already found their paths — first in the fire department and now in a joint business venture. Her sons were forced to grow up when their father did not return more than 10 years ago, Carol said.

“After 10 years, these kids have really shown me they’ve really pulled their act together,” she reflected. “Proud doesn’t cover how I feel about my boys. It’s amazing to me the men they’ve become.”