Community shows support for C and C Creamery

ROXBOROUGH — One of Roxborough’s hottest summer spots is back open, and thankful for the support during a challenging week.

“Thank you for all of the love and support sent our way, it means the world to everyone here,” said the C and C Creamery in a Facebook post Wednesday.

The week started with a response by Philadelphia police officers to a report of a robbery in progress at C and C on the 5400 block of Ridge Avenue around 1:09 p.m. on Aug. 21.

According to police, suspects were reported pointing a handgun at employees at the takeout window. The suspects demanded cash, fled the scene with cash, and were last seen going west on Hermit Street, police told The Review later that day.

No injuries were reported, no arrests were made, and no weapon was recovered, police said at that time. The investigation is active and ongoing with the PD’s Northwest Detective Division, and the suspects were described by police as two black males wearing black hoodies.

An unconfirmed report by the private “Citizens” crime notification app added that officers at the scene confirmed $300 to $350 was taken by two suspects between 16 and 18 years old, and both suspects were seen wearing silver masks, black hoodies and black sweatpants.

On Friday, Philadelphia police confirmed to The Review that the robbery resulted in the theft of approximately $300, and said there were three female complainants inside the store at the time of the robbery.

“The video has been recovered, but since the offenders are masked, gloved, and wearing non-descript clothing, we are not releasing it at this time,” police said.

One offender is described by police as a black male in their 20’s, wearing a silver skeleton mask, full beard, thin build, and all black clothing with gardening gloves; the second is described as a black male in their 20’s, wearing a silver skeleton mask, all dark clothing, also wearing gardening gloves, police said Friday.

C and C Creamery did not address the incident directly, but posted on their Facebook page Monday afternoon “Unfortunately we are closed. Please check back for updates. We apologize for the inconvenience.” A second post Tuesday afternoon added that they would be closed that day, adding “We will see you all on Wednesday. Thank you all for the love and support;” both posts drew hundreds of likes and comments from community members, as did a post Wednesday noting they were back open.

Residents responded with shock and outrage to the incident on social media, along with sympathy for the employees who work at the shop. In posts on the “Roxborough Rants and Raves” Facebook page, Anna Bellucci said “OK, the bad guys have gone too far this time,” alongside emojis of an angry face and an ice cream cone. Binky Dipardo said “Well now: the custard stand was just robbed point of gun!!” and Lauren Christine said “Is NOTHING sacred anymore???” drawing dozens of comments voicing similar outrage and vowing to support the shop when they reopen.

That support was strong, starting Wednesday: State Rep. Tarik Khan (D-194th) posted a photo there Wednesday with a milkshake and bag, saying “So admire the workers and owners at C&C for their unconquerable souls. Stop by and treat yourself (or your whole office!!)”

Mayoral candidate David Oh added his own photo later that night, noting a visit with friends: “Sgt. Mark Fusetti (retired), Eddie Caiazzo and I were there to celebrate with ice cream cones and milk shakes!”

Michael Strauss posted a photo Thursday of a sprinkle-covered cone and cup of ice cream saying “Awwww yeah!!,” drawing a response from Theresa Schloss calling it “The best around!”. In a post on the reopening, Judy Herbage-Kyle said “So sorry this happened to you guys!!! You don’t deserve it!” Nina J. Soloner said “So proud that this business is in my community. So very sorry about the robbery. Thank you for not closing your business!” and Todd Young said “I tell people all the time how lucky we are to have you in our neighborhood.”

In further Facebook comments, Colleen D’Agostino said “You guys are the best, with the sweetest most amazing staff, and I’m so sorry this happened you, you have all our support and love.” Dotty Ann said “We will be there this weekend, I lived down the street in 2003, and have been a customer since. Very sorry you all went through that.” And Kara Kosiorowski added, “So glad everyone is safe! Now, when does the caramel apple pie make its comeback so I can buy in bulk?”

During a visit by The Review this week, employees said they were unable to comment, beyond confirming that the “C and C” in their name stood for custard and cake. A customer who asked not to be identified said she was stunned to learn of the robbery days earlier.

“It’s crazy, because of the amount of traffic on this side of the neighborhood. It made me raise an eyebrow — I think (crime) has increased everywhere, but the fact that it’s here of all places? When you look at the crime incidents, on the Philadelphia map, there’s really not much that’s here. Not stuff like this,” she said.

For more information follow @Roxreview on Twitter.

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