I scream, you scream we all scream for Hinsch’s!
Hinsch’s, Bay Ridge’s beloved old-school greasy spoon and ice cream parlor, is reopening under new management on Monday.
New owner Gerard Bell confirmed that the shuttered egg cream paradise on Fifth Avenue between 85th and 86th streets will reopen following a two-month renovation — and it will be better than ever, with a new look that showcases Bay Ridge’s history and a love of toy choo-choos.
“There’s a big four-by-eight-foot mural of 86th Street in 1946 and we set up Lionel trains behind the counter that eventually will run through the whole store,” said Bell.
Bell said that he kept the classic Hinsch’s exterior — and most of its no-frills menu — but has expanded its breakfast and lunch offerings.
Bell, who also is an owner of Fifth Avenue’s Skinflint’s, announced in October that he an a partner would take over the business after its longtime owner John Logue suddenly shuttered the legendary soda shop.
Logue blamed the economy — and a desire to retire — for his decision to shutter Hinsch’s, but the closure also coincided with the city shutting the shop down due to a preponderance of rats and roaches.
Thanks to Bell, a 63-year tradition of egg creams, chocolates and homemade sodas will continue.
Hinsch’s Luncheonette was one of three soda fountains that the Bay Ridge ice cream magnate Herman Hinsch opened in the neighborhood, the first of which served its first scoop inside a shop on 86th Street in 1948.
Hinsch’s [8518 Fifth Ave., between 85th and 86th streets in Bay Ridge (718) 748-3412] reopens Monday, Nov. 28 at 10 am.
Reach reporter Dan MacLeod at dmacleod@cnglocal.com or by calling him at (718) 260-4507. You can also follow his Tweets at twitter.com/dsmacleod.
