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82nd Birthday for Bischoffs', Teaneck's Classic Ice Cream Eatery

TEANECK, N.J. -- Happy birthday to Bischoffs!

Bischoff's, which has been in the same Teaneck location since 1934, is always filled with smiling people.

Bischoff's, which has been in the same Teaneck location since 1934, is always filled with smiling people.

Photo Credit: Bischoff's
A family orders in the old-fashioned, shiny clean lunch room.

A family orders in the old-fashioned, shiny clean lunch room.

Photo Credit: Mary K. Miraglia
A heart filled with chocolates is the most popular Valentine's Day item at Bischoff's, and for many people it's the traditional stop for Valentine's gift items.

A heart filled with chocolates is the most popular Valentine's Day item at Bischoff's, and for many people it's the traditional stop for Valentine's gift items.

Photo Credit: Mary K. Miraglia
Anita Mather's grandfather, the original Bischoff, started his ice cream store in New York City February 11, 1926, making the business 90 years old last Thursday.

Anita Mather's grandfather, the original Bischoff, started his ice cream store in New York City February 11, 1926, making the business 90 years old last Thursday.

Photo Credit: Mary K. Miraglia
Bischoff's ice cream sundae. All ice cream is made on the premises, just like it always has been.

Bischoff's ice cream sundae. All ice cream is made on the premises, just like it always has been.

Photo Credit: Bischoff's
A shelf of brightly-colored Valentine's Day themed gifts.

A shelf of brightly-colored Valentine's Day themed gifts.

Photo Credit: Mary K. Miraglia

The bright and cheery store on Cedar Lane in Teaneck turned 90 last Thursday, Feb. 11. That’s when Anita Mather’s grandfather, Albert Bischoff, opened a small ice cream shop in New York.

A few years later he moved to Ridgefield Park, and when the space on Cedar Lane opened in 1934 he welcomed the opportunity to have a larger store on a busy pedestrian street.

Anita runs the store now with her partner, Richard Zanetto, who started working there when he was in high school and became a formal part of the business 40 years ago. Anita’s son is now involved in the business, and she said she hopes it goes on for at least another 40 years.

Today, the store is cheerily decked out with candies, gifts, and most importantly chocolate-filled hearts for Valentine’s Day. And while the romantic holiday is popular, Anita says it’s not the store’s busiest holiday. That’s Easter, when they feature her hand-made Easter baskets.

Bischoff’s is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Weekday hours are 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., and 9 a.m.- 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.

In additional to the justifiably famous ice cream, all made on the premises as it always has been, Bischoff’s has a traditional luncheon-style menu.

“It’s a happy business,” says Anita.

Bischoff’s is at 468 Cedar Lane, (201) 836-0333. No web page, no wifi, no credit cards, no reservations. Lots of ice cream.

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