Toy Town shop offers unique summer treat: What is it and where to get it

Everyone stops for slush in Toy Town.

For three seasons, P.J.'s Slush Stop has been generating nostalgia for summers past in residents of a certain age by selling a tasty treat from their childhood – Richie's Classic Italian Slush , which has been produced exclusively by the batch in Eastern Massachusetts since 1956.

"Nobody else in the area serves it, and it's our namesake product," said Amy Boscho, who named her business after her son, P.J. Marcus. "Richie's is a family-owned business in Everett, and for people who have enjoyed it on their vacations or if they grew up in that area of Massachusetts, it's a product that is incredibly nostalgic, and it's not available in Central Massachusetts, otherwise."

Richie's ice product, which is served in cups and buckets, is described as smooth, thirst-quenching, and nutritious, and free of fat, dairy, cholesterol and gluten. Flavors include lemon, root beer, orange cream, raspberry, coconut cream, watermelon, blue vanilla, and pineapple. Toppings include chocolate jimmies, rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, walnuts, and marshmallow.

"Richie's invokes a lot of nostalgia for people who grew up in Eastern Massachusetts but have now migrated to the central and western part of the state," Boscho said.

P.J.'s Slush Stop occupies former Seppie's Ice Cream Shop space

P.J.'s Slush Stop, which started in 2022, operated for one year before relocating to the former Seppi's Ice Cream Shop space in the historic Isaac Morse House at 135 Front St. the following year.

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"It was a match made in heaven, there's no better use of the phrase," said Boscho about the partnership with the Winchendon History and Cultural Center . "When the opportunity came up to migrate to the former Seppie's location, we were incredibly excited about it, and we jumped on it."

Don O'Neil, president of the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, said P.J.'s Slush Stop made a great addition to the society.

"(They're) continuing the tradition started by Seppie's by serving tasty treats to everyone," he said.

Teas and lemonade also available

In addition to slushies, the shop also offers milk teas, boba, iced teas and coffees, and lemonades. Smoothies and fruit snacks are also available.

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"And all other manner of beverages that I can think of with my little noggin," said Boscho, who operates the shop by herself, except for the times when a few friends might step behind the counter and help out. P.J., she said, is also sometimes available to lend a hand.

"He's my little business buddy, my partner-in-crime, and the namesake of the business," she said.

Ice cream, it should be noted, is not on the menu at P.J.'s Slush Stop.

"This was an ice cream shop back when Seppie's was the name, so we do still get some folks who are somewhat disappointed that we do not serve ice cream, but luckily there are a lot of amazing places in town where they don't have to go far to get a really amazing scoop," she said.

P.J.'s Slush Stop is open afternoons and early evenings Thursday through Sunday in July. See their Facebook page for updated information.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Toy Town shop offers unique summer treat: What is it and where to get it