NOW

Lexington Candy Shop is one of the few remaining old-school luncheonettes, serving classic American comfort food. John Philis’ grandfather came to the US from Greece in 1925, and opened the candy store in 1930. Five years after that John’s dad joined his grandfather and they worked together for eighteen years. In 1948, John’s dad transitioned from a shop selling primarily chocolates and ice cream to a luncheonette. “I started here because my father was not ready to retire, '' John shared. “I said, let me work with you for a few years and then I wouldn't have any guilt. Forty-two years later I am still here.”

For over seventy-five years now, nothing much has changed at Lexington Candy. One of the shop’s many charms is that the decor has remained the same as it was in 1948, and so has most of the menu which continues to feature their beloved milkshakes. As John proudly stated, “Back in the 40s and 50s, restaurants like us were all over the city - every other block or two had one, but slowly they faded out and basically we're the only ones that are left.”

THEN

Places last a long time at the southwest corner of Lexington Avenue and East 83rd Street. When Lexington Candy Shop moved in, the two-story building had been built only one year before, in 1924 to designs by architect Thomas Paterson, Jr. Inside and out, it has changed very little over the past century. The other tenant of this characteristic 1920s brick structure is Caligor Pharmacy, originally Caligor Physicians Supply Co., has been there for about 60 years. The modest building of storefronts and offices above replaced 2 wooden houses dating to the mid-19th century. At the corner, there was a 2-story flat-roofed building with a storefront for Choice Grocers. Next to it, on 83rd Street, a traditional 3-story house with a gable roof, covered porch, and white wooden fence.