Perhaps one of the most well-known North Jersey Sopranos spots is this local old-school ice cream shop in Bloomfield, NJ — which has seen its fair share of celebrity sightings. This week, SNL star Pete Davidson (more infamously known as Kim Kardashian’s ex-boyfriend) was spotted at none other than Bloomfield’s beloved ice cream shop in New Jersey. The ice cream shop posted on its Instagram about the visit. Read on to learn more about this celeb spotting in Essex County.
(Photo credit: @holstensicecream)
About Pete Davidson’s Visit
Holsten’s posted on Friday, January 13th about Pete’s visit on its Instagram. “Looks like we have a new famous booth… the Pete Davidson booth! Pete stopped by to see what all the hype was about and he approves! Who knows who you will see at Holsten’s!” they shared.
Several followers jumped on the chance to comment. “Good taste Pete,” one commenter shared. “Neat! Hide your wives Bloomfield 😂,” and even one saying, “Alt caption: my milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard.”
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Pete was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for eight seasons, joining the show in 2014 and leaving in 2022. He is more recently known as a serial dater of a host of Hollywood and music A-listers including Ariana Grande, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kim Kardashian.
All About Holsten’s
Holsten’s has been in business since 1939, and it is so much more than ice cream, milkshakes, egg creams, and sundaes. It also serves up burgers, sandwiches, and omelets — and patrons can even bring home a box of homemade chocolate such as orange cream and hazelnut truffle. All of the chocolates and candies are also homemade.
On any given Saturday afternoon, you’ll find the booths filled with families and groups of teenagers feasting on hot dogs and crinkle fries smothered in ketchup. Staff will be scooping dishes of ice cream into metal ice cream bowls in flavors such as coconut chip, black raspberry, and s’mores.
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The shop opened as Strubbe’s Ice Cream Parlor and became Martin & Holsten’s before officially becoming established as Holsten’s. Ronald Stark and Christopher Carley have owned and operated the restaurant since 1999, but they have been part of it since they were teenagers — working at the restaurant and waiting on customers. Though so much has changed in the world since Holsten’s first opened, the owners are dedicated to maintaining Holsten’s culture and have worked hard to ensure it keeps its old-fashioned look and traditions. In our age of technology and constant connection, there’s something really special about dining somewhere that is so steeped in nostalgia.
“That why it hasn’t changed much over the years,” Ronald said. “It’s like taking a step back in time.”
Holsten’s Link to The Sopranos
The famous Sopranos table has a “Reserved” sign, a tribute to the late actor James Gandolfini who shot the final scene of the series in that booth. The Sopranos episode made Holsten’s a destination for fans of the series, who also regularly order onion rings to recreate Tony’s last meal. Though some restaurants might not love the tv-enthusiasts who frequently visit, Holsten’s welcomes the fans. The wait staff cheerfully points out the table for anyone wanting to get a look. Pro tip: it’s the middle row, third booth — and yes, it’s available for diners to eat there.
Holsten’s is also a stop on a Sopranos Site Tour — which also includes visits to St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church and Skyway Diner, both in Kearny. Holsten’s also appeared in the prequel, The Many Saints of Newark with Michael Gandolfini, who shot scenes outside and at the counter. If you want your own tour, we’ve compiled a Sopranos Self-Guided Tour here.
See More: Kim Kardashian Spotted at American Dream in East Rutherford
Holsten’s is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11AM to 10PM and Sundays from 12PM to 10PM. Just so you know, if you’re wanting to sit at The Sopranos booth, definitely come prepared to wait if it’s a weekend — but we personally think it’s well worth the wait — and clearly, so does Pete Davidson.
