ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The former Krazy Kones ice cream shop on Elmira's east side is now serving something new—and it's not just dessert. Turquoise Sweets is a family-owned business that has expanded its offerings to include fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

Owner Kadir Yavuz is originally from Turkey. He and his wife Sahzene have lived in the United States for the last 25 years, bouncing around from Florida and New Jersey before landing in New York; first in Ithaca, and now Elmira. Sahzene works as an endocrinologist full time, while also helping Kadir with the business.

They purchased the ice cream shop at 413 Madison Avenue about a year ago, but kicked off 2025 by introducing homemade dishes from their homeland to the menu.

"We try to make it, you know, healthier for people, Low carb, and also we make all dips ourselves. Nothing is ready, prepared, and pre-prepared. We make them here and we offer different kinds of you know, selections for gyro," says Yavuz.

The menu features a variety of hummus, salads, rice, tzatziki and other offerings, like stuffed grape leaves and baklava. Yavuz says they also rotate daily specials to keep things fresh. 

Turquoise Sweets has also added a small grocery section, offering ingredients and items commonly used in Mediterranean cooking available for purchase.

Yavuz says the response from the community has been truly overwhelming. A recent visit from the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce reassured him that the business is making a positive impact in the community.

Turquoise Sweets is Yavuz's "retirement project," and he told WENY, he is excited to embark on this journey.

The shop is located at 413 Madison Ave., and they're open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Info about the shop can be found on their Facebook page, by clicking here.