Bobb Howard's General Store & Auto Repair

- 581 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

In the heart of New Hyde Park, Long Island, stands a New York institution that effortlessly blends the practical necessity of vehicle maintenance with the pure joy of childhood nostalgia: Bobb Howard's General Store & Auto Repair. This unique small business is far more than the sum of its parts. It functions simultaneously as a full-service auto repair shop, a comprehensive general store, a toy store, and, most famously, a beloved, award-winning candy store. It has been a community fixture since 1946, with the nostalgic candy and toy element being introduced decades later as a conscious effort to transport patrons back to a simpler time.

Stepping inside Bobb Howard's is truly a journey back in time, where you are greeted by shelves brimming with over 1,600 retro candies and toys. It's a cherished destination where parents, children, and grandparents can bridge generational gaps, sharing stories and giggles over forgotten favorites. The owners, Eileen Caplin Wysel and her husband Ronnie, who represent the second generation of this family business, have curated an environment that is a "time capsule" of sweets, games, and memorabilia. Voted "Best Candy Store on Long Island" multiple times, Bobb Howard's is where "fairy tales do come true, for kids of all ages," making it an essential visit for anyone in the New York metropolitan area seeking a fun, memorable, and sugar-filled experience.

Bobb Howard's General Store & Auto Repair is conveniently located in New Hyde Park, making it easily accessible for residents of Nassau County and Queens. The exact address is 581 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.

The store is situated at the corner of Lakeville Road and Bryant Avenue, positioned roughly halfway between Hillside Avenue and Jericho Turnpike. This strategic location makes it simple to find—just look for the big blue sign that says "OLD CANDY & TOYS..." or the giant lollipop, Bozo, Gumby, or the six-foot sock monkey greeting you at the door! For customers driving in, the establishment provides excellent accessibility.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring all members of the community can enjoy the store's nostalgic charm.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Designated parking spots are available to assist patrons with mobility needs.

The services offered at Bobb Howard's are unique because they encompass two completely separate business models under one roof, providing a distinct advantage for customers.

• Nostalgic Candy and Toy Retail: Selling over 1,600 retro and vintage items, including rare candies, old-time games, and classic toys.
• Party Planning and Supplies: Functioning as a Party planner and Party store, offering creative solutions and themed nostalgic items for events and celebrations.
• Full-Service Auto Repair: Providing a complete automotive repair facility, including oil changes, motor changes, wheel alignments, and New York State Inspection services.
• Convenient Shopping Options: Offering multiple ways to purchase items, including In-store shopping, In-store pickup, and Delivery, including shipping "packages of memories" all over the world.
• Onsite Services: This primarily refers to the auto repair component, where skilled mechanics perform work on a wide range of vehicles, from classic '66 Mustangs to today's modern cars.
• Family-Friendly Experience: The store is a destination that caters to all generations, often used as a location shoot, adding a layer of exciting, local celebrity to a typical visit.

Bobb Howard's General Store & Auto Repair has garnered numerous accolades and features that solidify its status as a Long Island favorite and a truly unique New York attraction.

• Voted Best of Long Island: Repeatedly winning awards, including "Best Candy Store," "Best Mom & Pop Store," and "Best Toy Store," among others.
• Over 1,600 Retro Items: The incredible volume and variety of nostalgic sweets are unparalleled, featuring discontinued candies sold as collectibles and favorites like Bonomo's Turkish Taffy, Wax Lips, Necco Wafers, Whistle Pops, and Clark Bars.
• Unique Business Model: The combination of an old-fashioned general store/candy shop with an established, honest auto repair facility is highly unusual and adds to the charm and convenience, as car service customers receive a sweet treat upon pickup.
• Interactive Nostalgia: The store features unique retro elements that enhance the experience, such as a working vintage gumball machine, a restored Coca-Cola cooler, a 1947 popcorn machine (offering free popcorn for the ride home), and a track with old Lionel trains.
• Generational Connection: The store is a local rite of passage, famous for bringing back fond memories of the past, with many current customers being the children and grandchildren of the original patrons.
• Friendly, Honest Service: The family-owned business prides itself on honesty and integrity in the auto repair shop, offering transparent pricing and guaranteed repairs, while the general store provides friendly service and product knowledge, especially concerning allergies.

To plan a visit, inquire about a specialty candy item, or schedule an auto repair appointment, New York area residents can reach out using the following information:

Address: 581 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA

Phone: (516) 488-7996

Mobile Phone: +1 516-488-7996

Bobb Howard's General Store & Auto Repair is unequivocally worth choosing because it provides an experience—not just a transaction. For New Yorkers looking to connect with their past, find a unique gift, or simply treat their family to a memorable afternoon, this location is an absolute must-see.

Firstly, as a candy store, it is unparalleled. It is the gold standard for retro and nostalgic sweets on Long Island, offering a dizzying selection of items that are hard to find anywhere else. Visiting is described as being able to "retro act" and is guaranteed to spark joy and laughter, fulfilling the promise of being able to "put me in a place... I can remember good times." You can find everything from tops baseball cards in their original packaging to all your childhood favorite candies, even if the price is a bit more than the 1-cent and 5-cent days of the past.

Secondly, the establishment is deeply rooted in the community, with the family legacy stretching back over 75 years. This longevity speaks to the honest, customer-first approach instilled by the original founders. Whether you're a third-generation auto repair client or a new visitor looking for a classic toy, you are treated like family. By combining the need for auto repair with the delight of a candy store, Bobb Howard's creates a highly efficient stop: you can get your car serviced by trusted mechanics and walk away with a bag of Abba-Zaba bars and a box of Candy Cigarettes—a perfect illustration of old-fashioned ingenuity and neighborhood commitment. Its identity as a trusted auto repair shop and a beloved nostalgic candy store makes it a genuine Long Island landmark that every New York local should experience.

Bobb Howard's General Store & Auto Repair

581 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA