8. Philip’s Candy, Staten Island
Philip’s Candy is a Port Richmond, Staten Island institution, but it started in Brooklyn. The candy shop was originally located on the Coney Island boardwalk. Opened in 1916, the business moved to Surf Avenue in 1930. In 1947, 17-year-old John Dorman started working there. He would commute from his home on Staten Island. In the 1960s, Dorman bought the business and ran it with his partner until 2001. At that time, the building was demolished to make way for the Coney Island-Stillwell subway stop. Not ready to give up the business just yet, Dorman re-opened Phillip’s Candy in Staten Island. Today, the 93-year-old Dorman still works at the shop, along with his daughter Maria Dorman. Their specialty is hand-dipped jelly apples!
