Longtime Friends Take Over Ralph's Italian Ices In Great Neck

Corey Rosen and Dan Schwartz, who have known each other since high school, purchased the popular ice cream shop.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:23pm

An elegant studio still life featuring a stainless steel ice cream scoop, a glass of Italian ice, and a branded serving spoon, captured in a clean, minimalist style that conveys the timeless quality and craftsmanship of this classic dessert.A premium, polished collection of Italian ice essentials symbolizes the timeless appeal and craftsmanship of this classic Long Island treat.Great Neck Today

Two longtime friends, Corey Rosen and Dan Schwartz, have taken over a Ralph's Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream shop in Great Neck, New York. The pair, who have known each other for over 25 years, recently purchased the business and are offering a special promotion to celebrate their arrival in the community.

Why it matters

The story highlights the power of friendship and shared dreams, as well as the continued popularity of Italian ice shops as a community gathering place. It also showcases how small business owners can make an impact by investing in local neighborhoods.

The details

Corey Rosen and Dan Schwartz, both Massapequa residents, have known each other for more than 25 years and recently purchased the Ralph's Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream shop in Great Neck. The pair are offering a special buy-one-get-one-50-percent-off promotion from April 10 through April 12 to celebrate their arrival in the community, with the shop open daily from 12 to 10 p.m. Rosen said they chose Ralph's because they have always loved the product and admired the company.

  • Rosen and Schwartz purchased the business just a few weeks ago.
  • The special buy-one-get-one-50-percent-off promotion will run from April 10 through April 12.

The players

Corey Rosen

A Massapequa resident who has been friends with Dan Schwartz for over 25 years. Rosen and Schwartz recently purchased the Ralph's Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream shop in Great Neck.

Dan Schwartz

A Massapequa resident who has been friends with Corey Rosen for over 25 years. Rosen and Schwartz recently purchased the Ralph's Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream shop in Great Neck.

Ralph's Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream

A popular Italian ice and ice cream shop that Rosen and Schwartz have purchased in Great Neck, New York.

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What they’re saying

“We chose Ralph's because we have always loved the product and always admired the company and everything they stand for.”

— Corey Rosen, Co-owner

“The most exciting thing has been maintaining our incredible friendship while still learning a lot about each other.”

— Corey Rosen, Co-owner

“For instance, I have known Dan forever, but have seen him in the last couple of weeks be a plumber, an IT specialist, and a handyman.”

— Corey Rosen, Co-owner

“We hope that we can put a smile on everyone's face who walks through the door.”

— Corey Rosen, Co-owner

What’s next

Rosen and Schwartz plan to own additional Ralph's Italian Ices shops on Long Island in the future, continuing to grow their business partnership.

The takeaway

This story showcases the power of friendship and shared dreams, as well as the enduring appeal of classic community gathering places like Italian ice shops. It demonstrates how small business owners can positively impact local neighborhoods by investing in their communities.