From Fire Trucks to Waffle Cones

Josephine Ciffa's path to owning one of Grand Island's most talked-about shops didn't follow a straight line. She moved to the island around 2009 with her husband Vinny and their kids, and almost immediately got involved. Volunteer firefighter. Eventually president of the Grand Island Fire Company. Still an active EMT. But the whole time, there was this itch — she'd been in retail since she was young, and she kept noticing the same thing everyone on the island notices: if you need a gift, you're driving over the bridge.

A Gift Shop That Became Something More

Her first shot was a little boutique on Grand Island Boulevard called Lilacs for Lucy — handmade crafts, kids' parties, the kind of thing you try when the idea won't leave you alone. The timing wasn't right with young kids at home, so she stepped back. But the idea never left.

When she launched The Island Shoppe, it started as a gift store packed with Grand Island-themed souvenirs, local artwork, and handcrafted items from about 90% island-based artisans. Customers would walk in looking for a quick birthday gift and walk out saying they'd be back. The vibe was warm, personal, and unmistakably Grand Island.

Perry's and Red Osier Under One Roof

The big move came when Josephine and Vinny landed the space at 1966 Whitehaven Road and struck partnerships with two Western New York legends: Perry's Ice Cream and Red Osier Roast Beef. Here's what makes that matter — when Anderson's bought out Adrian's Custard & Beef, Grand Island lost its Perry's connection. The Island Shoppe brought it back.

Now it's the only spot on the island where you can get a Perry's milkshake and a Red Osier roast beef sandwich in the same visit. For anyone who grew up on those flavors, walking in feels like a little bit of time travel.

You Can Smell the Waffle Cones From the Door

What makes The Island Shoppe feel different is that Josephine isn't just running a business — she's curating a feeling. Local candles from Grand Island Candle fill the room with scents like Sandy Beach. The walls have watercolors and mixed media from neighborhood artists. The Bills gear section gets louder every fall because, as Josephine puts it, when the Bills win there's just this wonderful energy in the store. Customers walk out saying "Go Bills!" as their goodbye.

That's not marketing. That's community.

A Shop That Feels Like Home

Josephine once said her dream was simple: if you need a gift and don't feel like leaving the island, you should be able to walk in and find something special. She's done more than that. She built a gathering spot — a place that smells good, looks good, and reminds you why living on this island is kind of the best.

Visit The Island Shoppe at 1966 Whitehaven Road or online at theislandshoppe.com.