In Toy Town everyone stops because of the slush.
For three seasons, PJ’s Slush Stop has been making residents of a certain age nostalgic for summers past by selling a tasty treat from their childhood – Richie’s Classic Italian Slush, made exclusively in batches 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, PJ Marcus. “Richie’s is a family-owned business in Everett, and for people who enjoyed it on vacation or grew up in this area of Massachusetts, it’s a product that’s incredibly nostalgic, and it’s not available anywhere else in central Massachusetts.”
Richie’s ice cream product, served in cups and buckets, is described as smooth, thirst-quenching and nutritious and is 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 sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, walnuts and marshmallows.
“Richie’s evokes great nostalgia for people who grew up in Eastern Massachusetts and have now moved to the central and western parts of the state,” Boscho said.
PJ’s Slush Stop occupies the premises of the former Seppie’s Ice Cream Shop
PJ’s Slush Stop, which opened in 2022, operated for one year before moving 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 is no better way to describe it,” Boscho said of the partnership with the Winchendon History and Cultural Center. “When the opportunity arose to move into the former Seppie’s location, we were incredibly excited and jumped at it.”
Don O’Neil, president of the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, said PJ’s Slush Stop is a great addition to the community.
“(They) continue the tradition started by Seppie’s by serving delicious treats to everyone,” he said.
Teas and lemonade also available
In addition to slushies, the shop also offers milk teas, boba, iced teas and coffee as well as lemonades. Smoothies and fruit snacks are also available.
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“And any other drinks my little head can think of,” says Boscho, who runs the shop alone, except when a few friends step behind the counter and help out. PJ, she says, is sometimes on hand to lend a hand, too.
“He’s my little business partner, my partner in crime fighting and the namesake of the company,” she said.
It should be noted that ice cream is not on the menu at PJ’s Slush Stop.
“This was an ice cream shop back when we were called Seppie’s. So we still get some people who come in who are a little disappointed that we don’t serve ice cream. But luckily there are a lot of great places in town where they don’t have to go far to get a really great scoop of ice cream,” she said.
PJ’s Slush Stop is open Thursday through Sunday afternoons and early evenings in July. Check their Facebook page for updated information.
