Andy's Candy Cart

- Narrows Rd S, Staten Island, NY 10305

Introduction / Overview

In a city as vast and dynamic as New York, there are small businesses that rise above the commercial landscape to become true community landmarks. Andy's Candy Cart is one such indispensable local fixture, a modest yet highly recognized stop on Narrows Road South in Staten Island. More than just a place to grab a quick snack or a refreshing drink, Andy's Candy Cart embodies the quintessential New York spirit of hard work, perseverance, and genuine human connection. Operated by the dedicated Andy, this small business has been serving the local community for over a decade, becoming a familiar and welcome sight for countless Staten Islanders, especially those traveling near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (VZ bridge) service road.

Andy's story is one of profound inspiration. As publicly known, Andy lives with Cerebral Palsy but is fiercely determined to be self-sufficient. He commits to working long, arduous hours, year-round, regardless of the weather, to provide candy, snacks, and drinks to passersby. This commitment has made him a local hero. For many New Yorkers, a stop at the cart is not just about satisfying a craving for a sweet treat like an Oreo—it's about sharing a moment with a truly inspirational figure who shows up every day, embodying an incredible work ethic that commands respect and admiration from the community. The establishment is built on simple offerings but delivers a powerful dose of positivity and a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

As a proud small business in the New York landscape, Andy's Candy Cart offers a convenient and friendly service. It is generally recognized as a location for a "quick visit," perfectly suited for commuters, local workers, and residents who appreciate the ease of access and the personalized service provided by Andy himself. His enduring presence in the characteristic yellow vest has cemented the cart’s status as a unique and deeply valued part of Staten Island life.

Location and Accessibility

The location of Andy's Candy Cart is highly strategic and recognizable to anyone familiar with the local traffic patterns on Staten Island, particularly those utilizing the routes near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The cart is positioned along the service road, making it a convenient, on-the-go stop for commuters and drivers.

The specific address for this small business is:

Narrows Rd S, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA

This placement, near one of the major entry and exit points of the borough, ensures a consistent flow of customers who are often looking for a quick refreshment or a snack to fuel their drive. As noted by one customer, the effort to "find a spot on the left side to buy an oreo from him" demonstrates the commitment people have to stopping, despite the challenges of the location, showcasing the value they place on Andy and his business.

A crucial and commendable feature of Andy's operation is its commitment to accessibility. The provided information confirms that the location offers a "wheelchair accessible entrance," which is a vital feature for any business in New York, ensuring that all members of the community can approach and patronize the cart easily. The nature of the business—a quick, transactional cart setup—is designed specifically for ease and speed, making it an excellent option for a "quick visit" for anyone passing by.

Services Offered

Andy's Candy Cart operates as a traditional, on-the-go vendor, providing essential convenience items to travelers and locals. While the operation is simple and focused, its services meet a daily need for quick energy and small indulgences. The core service is the retail sale of portable consumables. The primary services offered are:

• Retail Sale of Candy: A selection of popular and classic candies for a quick sugar fix or treat.
• Retail Sale of Snacks: Offering various snack foods, which can include popular items like chips, cookies (e.g., Oreos, as mentioned by a customer), and other packaged goods.
• Retail Sale of Drinks: Providing bottled beverages, soft drinks, and other non-alcoholic refreshments to quench thirst on the go.
• Year-Round Operation: Commitment to serving the community daily, regardless of weather conditions, offering a reliable point of service.
• Roadside Convenience: Strategically located to serve commuters and travelers on Narrows Road South near the VZ bridge, allowing for extremely quick, transactional purchases.

The focus is entirely on straightforward, daily consumables—a simple model executed with extraordinary dedication and consistency by its owner.

Features / Highlights

Andy's Candy Cart is distinguished not by its size or complexity, but by the unique features and the compelling story behind its operation. These highlights contribute significantly to its status as a cherished Staten Island landmark:

• Inspirational Owner: The operation is run by Andy, a beloved figure in the community who demonstrates incredible perseverance and dedication while living with Cerebral Palsy, working long hours in all types of weather.
• Community Landmark: The cart has been operating for over a decade near the VZ bridge service road, making it a well-known, established part of the Staten Island commuting experience.
• True Small Business Spirit: The business is a genuine small, independent operation, offering a refreshing contrast to large corporate convenience stores and fast-food chains.
• High Visibility and Dedication: Andy is consistently present in his characteristic yellow vest, a sign of his unwavering commitment to his work and the customers who rely on him.
• Positive Customer Interaction: Customers consistently praise Andy's "smile, attitude and kindness," highlighting that a stop at the cart is often a small but meaningful moment of positive interaction in their day.
• Accessibility Focus: Featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring inclusivity and ease of access for all patrons.
• Essential Roadside Service: Providing a reliable and necessary service—snacks and drinks—for those on the move or sitting in traffic along the service road.

Contact Information

As a traditional, small-scale street vendor operation, Andy's Candy Cart primarily functions as a physical, roadside establishment. Direct contact information like a dedicated storefront phone number or email may not be formally maintained in the same way as a large retail store. However, the location serves as the essential point of contact and transaction.

• Address: Narrows Rd S, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA
• Phone: Dedicated phone information is not publicly available or relevant to the operational style of the cart.

For patrons wishing to support Andy, the most direct way to connect is by visiting the cart in person at its known location on Narrows Road South. The hours of operation are typically long, daily hours, reflecting Andy's commitment to his work and the community he serves.

What is worth choosing

Choosing Andy's Candy Cart over a large, anonymous convenience store is a decision to support local entrepreneurship and celebrate the powerful spirit of a New York local. For New Yorkers, a stop here is about more than transactional convenience; it’s an opportunity to engage with a vital part of the Staten Island community fabric. The products—candy, snacks, and drinks—are what you need, but the experience is what you want.

What makes Andy's Candy Cart truly worthwhile is the personal, inspirational factor. Customer reviews speak volumes, with people going out of their way—even navigating traffic to "find a spot"—just to purchase an item and acknowledge Andy’s "spirit" and "hustling every single day." This level of loyalty and admiration is rare in the fast-paced, high-volume retail environment of NYC.

By choosing to stop at Andy's Candy Cart, you are directly supporting a small, independent business run by a genuinely hard-working individual. You are recognizing a person who has overcome significant challenges to make a living and, in the process, has become a source of daily inspiration for the New York community. It’s a chance to receive a snack with a smile and leave with a greater appreciation for the perseverance of your fellow New Yorkers. It is a quick visit that leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Andy's Candy Cart

Narrows Rd S, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA