Meet the Family Behind Ben & Jerry’s Riverhead

A Story of Sweet Treats, Hard Work, and Community Roots

If you’ve strolled down East Main Street lately, chances are you’ve caught the unmistakable smell of freshly made waffle cones drifting through downtown Riverhead. Follow it, and you’ll find more than just ice cream, you’ll find a family business built on love, community, and a shared dream.

Meet Steve and Angela Siliato, the husband-and-wife team behind Ben & Jerry’s Riverhead.

From Family Roots to a Family Business

Steve and Angela are high school sweethearts from nearby Wading River, now raising three children—Gianni (9), Mia (7), and Marco (4). Between Steve’s career as a practicing attorney and Angela’s work at Mather Hospital, life has been busy, but family has always been at the center of it all.

For Steve, the inspiration to open a business runs deep. He grew up working at his family’s store, Siliato Liquors in Miller Place, a local staple for more than 50 years.

“That experience shaped who I am,” Steve says. “We wanted to create something similar for our kids—a place where they could learn about hard work, dedication, and being part of a community.”

The idea came naturally. Ice cream outings were already a family tradition. So when the opportunity to open a Ben & Jerry’s franchise arose, it just clicked.

After completing the interview process in Vermont and securing approval for their Riverhead location, the Siliatos were all in.

“Plus,” Steve adds with a smile, “who doesn’t like ice cream?”

Why Riverhead?

The answer is simple: this is home.

Located at 87 East Main Street, their shop occupies the historic former Sunny’s Riverhead Diner site—a downtown landmark that dates back to 1932. For the Siliatos, honoring that history is just as important as building their own.

They’re also passionate about changing perceptions of Riverhead.

“Downtown isn’t just a place you pass through on the way to the North Fork or the Hamptons,” Steve says. “It’s a destination. There are incredible small businesses here, great food, live events, and a real sense of community.”

Their message? Come spend an afternoon. You’ll see for yourself.

More Than Just Scoops

Running an ice cream shop may sound like all sprinkles and smiles, but behind the counter, there’s a lot more happening.

After prioritizing their roles as parents, Steve and Angela step into the daily rhythm of operating a small business—managing inventory, placing orders, coordinating staff, cleaning, handling marketing and social media, and responding to catering inquiries. They also trained extensively, including a week at Ben & Jerry’s headquarters in Vermont, and received hands-on support from corporate trainers in their shop.

That support, they say, has been invaluable, but the real work happens after hours.

“Once the shop closes, we’re reviewing numbers, planning promotions and then switching right into bedtime routines with three kids,” Steve says.

It’s a balancing act, but one they fully embrace.

The Ben & Jerry’s Experience

Walking into their shop isn’t just about grabbing dessert, it’s about discovering something new.

Customers are encouraged to sample flavors, including scoop shop exclusives you won’t find in grocery stores. First-timers are urged to try a freshly made waffle cone (you’ll smell it before you see it) and step outside their comfort zone with a new flavor.

There’s truly something for everyone, too. The shop offers non-dairy, gluten-free, and vegan options, along with a few fun surprises, including standalone cookie dough made with the same ingredients used in Ben & Jerry’s iconic flavors.

And yes, even four-legged visitors are welcome. Doggie Desserts are on the menu!

A Sweet Milestone and an Even Sweeter Lesson

For the Siliatos, their proudest moment came during their grand opening weekend, surrounded by family, their children, and the Riverhead community.

“That was the whole point,” Steve says. “We didn’t start this to build an empire. We started it so our kids could grow up understanding what it means to work for something.”

Along the way, they’ve also learned an important lesson: there’s room for everyone.

With beloved local shops like Snowflake and Mexicandy nearby, Steve sees collaboration—not competition—as the key to a thriving downtown.

“You don’t eat the same thing for dinner every night,” he says. “The competition is good. The camaraderie is even better.”

What’s Next

The Siliatos aren’t slowing down anytime soon. They’ve recently launched a new “Smash Series” product line and are expanding their catering offerings for events, parties, and corporate gatherings.

You’ll also find them out and about at local events like Alive on 25 and seasonal downtown festivals, serving up scoops and building connections.

How to Support

Stop in, bring your family, try something new, and spread the word.

You can also follow along on Instagram at @benandjerrysriverheadny to stay updated on new flavors, events, and specials. Planning an event? Reach out about catering! They’d love to be part of it.

Because while there’s a well-known name above the door, this is, at its heart, a local, family-run business.

“We live here,” Steve says. “We’re part of this community and we just want to make people smile.”