THE STORY
OYSTER BAY GAZETTE
June 1, 1897
ITALIAN ICE CART OPENS DOWNTOWN!
Fresh lemon Italian Ice
to be served every day on corner of Audrey Avenue and Main street.
STRAIGHT FROM ITALY
In 1897, John Bonanza came to this country with nothing but a dream. Like many others, he wanted a better life for his family, but more importantly, John wanted to make life better for other families.
This passion for being a pillar of the community swiftly lead to the conversion of an old chicken coop, the original Bonanza Stand you see today.
Since then, Bonanza family has served the community like one of its own for over 120 years and four generations in the heart of downtown Oyster Bay, New York.
From the original lemon ice to the iconic Bonanza Dog, Bonanza’s represents the sweet generational legacy of John Bonanza, Michael, and Philip Sr.
1897
THE STAND
IS PLANTED
The Bonanza’s relocate to Oyster Bay in hopes of cashing in on the American dream by selling hot dogs and fresh lemon Italian Ice out of a converted chicken coop.
1945
GENERATION
2 GENERATION
As John steps down, Mike Bonanza steps up, expanding Bonanza’s through local events and a continued dedication to serving the community.
1890
BROOKLYN
BOUND
After emigrating from Sturno, Italy, John and Emma Bonanza arrive in Brooklyn via Ellis Island.
1910
CAKE BATTER,
BATTER SWING
John Bonanza would push a bicycle cart to the local ball games and sell hot dogs, peanuts, soda, and his fresh lemon Italian Ice. Emma would man the stand while their grandson, Mike, would collect empty bottles and rebox them for deposits.
1965
LEMON ICE
LIMELIGHT
Phil Sr. begins running the infamous Bonanza Stand and expands to over 50 Italian Ice flavors, drawing in celebrities like Billy Joel and hungry visitors from all over the world.
2025
NEW LOOK,
SAME LOVE
128 years in the making, Phil Jr. takes over the iconic Oyster Bay location, revitalizing the stand from the inside out while continuing to preserve the historic passion his forefathers passed down to him.
