New Candy and Ice Cream Shop Opens in Pt. Pleasant Beach amid Pandemic
When his DJ company Xplosive Entertainment saw a sharp decline in business this March because of COVID-19, Michael Langsner, 42 of Brick, made a decision. Until his DJ business could perform at events again, he would start a new business instead of collecting unemployment, or as he says, “Sitting on my hands waiting for events to be permitted again.”
Picking Point Pleasant Beach to start a new business was easy. Langsner’s parents lived in Point Pleasant for about 15 years, and he grew up enjoying the boardwalk and restaurants there. Now as a young dad, he and his wife Amy enjoy bringing their five-year-old daughter Haven to Point Pleasant.
Standing in line at ice cream shops despite the state of the economy made deciding what business to open obvious. On July 23, 2020, Haven’s Sweet Shop, 512 Bay Avenue, right off Arnold Avenue, opened its doors with four employees to serve guests ice cream, including vegan, low sugar, and non-fat options; gourmet chocolate-covered pretzels that can also be spoons; fresh fudge; and candies.
The most unique item at Haven’s is the ice cream flight – a four-scoop tasting box with separate compartments for each flavor and topping. Freshly made milk shakes, gourmet popcorn, and coffee were recently added to the menu.
Langsner said, “This project has been an absolute refresher. In the crazy times we are living, one thing seems to remain the same… chocolates and ice cream make happy people. Our goal is to be family friendly, to know our customers on a first name basis, and to know their favorite flavors. Even though employees and guests need to wear face masks, it is obvious that the locals and visitors are smiling in excitement!”
Haven loves having a sweet shop named after her and is already learning about business, eager to be old enough to start helping guests. She can be found, from time-to-time, greeting guests to “her” sweet shop. Langsner explained that this new business has been rewarding
“It’s been sad to see good people devastated as plans fall apart for their weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, or Sweet 16s.” Langsner said the DJ company will survive and is eagerly waiting to return to doing events. Haven’s Sweet Shop, however, has brought him and his family happiness, a challenge, and a creative outlet.
“Ice cream is a fun and happy business. It has been a pleasure of meeting so many friendly locals. Point Pleasant’s community truly is a special place with great residents. Hundreds of visitors have already stopped by either driving over, riding their bikes or walking. Even when my DJ business becomes active again, we plan to keep dishing out delicious treats at Haven’s.
Hours: Closed Monday. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 1:00 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.HavensSweetShop.com.call 732-451-2660. Also visit facebook.com/havenssweetshop and Instagram.com/havenssweetshop.