Lost Borough Ice Cream is spreading excitement beyond New York this summer. The beloved Yonkers ice cream shop is launching nationwide shipping and is ready to bring its rich, Caribbean — and Latin- inspired flavors straight to freezers across the country, just in time for National Ice Cream Month.

What began as a local passion project quickly became a cultural staple. Co-founder Patrick Cruz, a longtime social worker with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, recalls the moment the idea took hold during a 2019 visit to a Chicago ice cream shop. “They were literally selling happiness,” Cruz said. “I knew then I wanted to do that too, but in Yonkers.”

Since opening their flagship at 123 New Main St. just over two years ago with his close friend and business partner Ka-wana Jefferson, Lost Borough Ice Cream has built a devoted following with its handcrafted, small-batch menu. The flavors celebrate Cruz’s heritage from Bizcocho, a sweet Dominican cake flavor evoking birthday celebrations, to Coquito, a creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink infused with 5% Bacardi rum.

“That one took some convincing,” Cruz admitted about the alcohol-infused Coquito. “We weren’t sure about adding alcohol to ice cream, but it quickly became one of our top sellers.”

Other fan favorites include Dominican Vanilla, made with real vanilla extract sourced directly from the Dominican Republic, and Grape Nut, Taro, and the cult-favorite Red Velvet Club. “I tried changing the Red Velvet recipe once. That was a mistake,” Cruz laughed. “Customers, let me know real fast what not to mess with.”

Though Cruz still balances his career in social work, Lost Borough has become an extension of his community care. “Running a shop like this in your own neighborhood is deeply personal,” he said. “It’s a place for people to celebrate, unwind, and just be happy.”

The name Lost Borough pays homage to Yonkers’ unique history. In 1898, while Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island joined New York City as boroughs, Yonkers and Mount Vernon voted to remain independent, earning Yonkers the nickname “the lost borough” of NYC. “We wanted to reclaim that identity and make it something proud,” Cruz said.

The road hasn’t been without challenges. Their first location, blocks from their current storefront, struggled due to low foot traffic. “Ice cream is a luxury, not a necessity. Location is everything,” Cruz reflected. A lucky break came when a local real estate developer, impressed by their product, offered a new space nearby that transformed their business.

With an expanded team and a revamped menu underway, Lost Borough is also launching a new mobile ice cream cart for festivals, block parties, and private events across the tri-state area.

For Yonkers residents, Lost Borough Ice Cream isn’t just a place to indulge, it’s a source of neighborhood pride,” he said.“The community has shown up for us in a beautiful way,” Cruz said. “It’s become a point of pride.”

Looking ahead, Cruz and Jefferson plan to grow thoughtfully, preserving the soul of their brand while reaching new fans nationwide. “People ask if we’ll franchise,” Cruz said. “We want the world to know: Dominican vanilla hits different.”

Until then, they’ll keep serving joy, one scoop at a time. “When I see someone’s face light up after trying our flavors? That’s everything,” Cruz said. “That’s why we do this.”