By Emily White
She’s a former insurance exec who swapped spreadsheets for sprinkles! Since 2022, Jeanie’s been serving frozen yogurt and candy galore at her sweet shop in Bridgehampton.
Jeanie, why did you decide to start Sundaes on Main?
We wanted to bring a fun, family-friendly business to the Hamptons. When our family travels, we always love a good candy and/or ice cream shop and thought it would be a good fit for us.
Why did you choose Bridgehampton as the backdrop for this sweet-treat haven?
Availability. The location was available. At the time we were looking for retail space, there weren’t a ton of options, but when our agent presented the building to us, we knew it was perfect. And the more we studied Main Street, the more we realized it was a perfect location.
Were there any big turning points or challenges that shaped the business?
Not one specific thing. Just being present and always here helps me grow the business in a direction that suits our customers wants and needs. Maybe one was the decision to not carry the tart fro-yo. It seems like such a controversy, like people think you’re not a legit frozen yogurt place because you don’t have tart, but really, it just didn’t perform all that well. I’ve found other flavors that sold better and stuck with those.
What values are at the core of your business?
To be accommodating and friendly but also stand firm in holding customers to a certain standard of being a good person and being respectful when in the shop. I expect good from my employees, but also my customers, as customers also set a tone for others in the shop.
What are your best sellers?
For the ice cream in the shop, the Pineapple Creamsicle. Overall, customers love our homemade whipped cream. For toppings, of course rainbow sprinkles. For candy, gummies, which far outsell chocolate, although we’ve started to gain traction for our licorice selection (my favorite!), so I’ve also seen those sales increase.
What does a typical day at the shop look like for you?
Nonstop running. I’m usually in the shop around 10 a.m. and leave sometime around 1 a.m. I’m hands-on with everything and very particular. If I decide I don’t like the way a display looks or is performing, I’ll stay all night to take it down and start over. The bulk-candy bins and the ice cream machines are constant upkeep and require a lot of attention to keep things fresh and delicious.
Have you considered opening other locations in the Hamptons?
My husband has, but I haven’t! Maybe if the right location comes along, we can entertain that, but for now I’m happy with the one Bridgehampton location.
What’s your go-to frozen yogurt order?
Southampton salted caramel and bay beach blackberry with chocolate sprinkles—and if I’m feeling crazy, some peanuts.
Sundaes on Main is located at 2414 Main Street, Bridgehampton.
