Smoke shop turned sweet shop, gourmet desert bar opens in Pelham Parkway
They formerly owned a smoke shop that was shut down by the city in 2024 under Operation Padlock to Protect, when the citywas cracking down on illegal cannabis stores.
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A brand-new gourmet dessert shop that was once a smoke shop is now open on Lydig Avenue in Pelham Parkway.
Yummy Dips offers more than 150 desert creations, including dipped ice cream bars, waffle sundaes, mojito mocktails and a crepe bar. It also offers the viral Dubai chocolate crepe.
“I was apparently their first customer, it was good, I got a crepe with some toppings it was good," said customer Felica Ali.
Adam Obaid is the manager and co-owner.
He says they have been working for nine months to prepare for the grand opening.
“It's been almost nine months of working. We decided to do something different; we did more artwork; ideas came from different countries. We have friends from Italy and Spain, any kind of sweets they have over they’re sending it over here," said Obaid.
It's a second chance for the business owners.
They formerly owned a smoke shop that was shut down by the city in 2024 under Operation Padlock to Protect, when the citywas cracking down on illegal cannabis stores.
“That was an era, it’s over with, we are bringing new concepts, new ideas, don't judge a book by its cover, come look try," said Obaid.
Obaid, who was born and raised in the neighborhood, says they are re-writing their story and want to focus on a family friendly environment.
If successful, they hope to expand their desert business to other neighborhoods across the city.
"‘I can see all the people I grew up with, they are here to support us," said Obeid.
