Pick a Pack of Pickles, Comic Books, and Ice Cream at Pickle Island in Bayville
By Isabella Lombardi
In the quaint suburban village of Bayville you’ll find the odd little shop called Pickle Island, home to a selection of locally-produced Horman’s Best brand pickles side-by-side with a selection of music, movies, and comic books. That’s right, it’s Captain America and Kosher Dill in the same spot. Who woulda thunk it?
Nick Horman Jr. that’s who!
The opening of Pickle Island is a side quest of sorts for the Horman who took his three generations-old pickle manufacturing company directly to the public in 2020 in the form of a retail outlet that combined his love of comics and his family business, offering a variety of fresh savory and sweet delights with a touch of nostalgia.
Horman’s grandfather, Joe Horman, founded the pickle company in Brooklyn and his sons moved the factory to Long Island when they took over the family business.
Pickle Island was launched by Horman and his business partner and friend Matt Roren after they were hit with the revelation that they could blend their love of pickles, fresh organic products, and comics. The shop is filled with pickle merchandise, CDs, comic books, records and movies.
The list of pickles can be overwhelming as you have 18 different types to choose from but Horman made it easy by sharing the most popular flavors and “top sellers” kosher dill, half sour/full sour, bread and butter, honey mustard and horseradish.
Browsing the shelves makes it easier to decide on what pickle you want to buy without feeling rushed to know as soon as you walk through the door.
These savory crunchy snacks might just make your mouth water, but Pickle Island is also prepared for those who may not be all that into salty treats. A new business venture between Horman and Goodness Dairy will add ice cream on the menu to support local farms by using fresh milk and ice cream made with products that are all organic and sourced in New York State.
Horman’s favorite ice cream flavor is the Golden Maple Magic. The product is crafted with care and organic ingredients. Every bite you get a taste of rich maple syrup.
Pickle Island might be located on the North Shore of Nassau County but their reach spans all around Long Island as they make pop up visits at multiple farmers markets and retail locations throughout the year. The best way to stay up to date on everything pickles and more is by following @pickleisland.ny on Instagram.
Isabella Lombardi is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.