Vestal's Buzzing About Impending Opening of "Funky Beez" Eatery

The wait is nearly over for ice cream lovers and hot dog fans as a Vestal business prepares to start operations.

Bill Stewart and Felicia Davis are applying the finishing touches to Funky Beez on Route 26. The shop, located just south of Main Street, is expected to open this week.

A walk-up window at the soon-to-open Funky Beez in Vestal. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Stewart and Davis have said they've been working to develop a family-friendly affordable venue that would provide a variety of snacks and treats.

The property was acquired last year with the intent of renting apartments in an old building on the site. But the partners soon learned the structure - known to some as "The Castle" - was in bad shape and would have to be removed.

They then came up with the vision for Funky Beez as an alternative use for the property. They've been working for months to transform a large garage structure into a food service facility.

An ice cream freezer at Funky Beez on June 25, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Funky Beez will feature Hershey's hard ice cream. Several dozen flavors of soft ice cream also will be available.

Hot dogs selections will includes Hofmann franks, snappy grillers, German franks and vegan dogs. Shakes and dog treats also will be offered.

Funky Beez partner Felicia Davis chats with the driver of a Hofmann delivery truck on June 23, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A children's play area and various seating options will be available around the property.

Stewart and Davis are planning a "soft opening" to help the new business to gradually get up to speed. But they know a lot of people have been waiting patiently for the scooping and the grilling to begin.

The opening day is coming - but that date has yet to be announced.

A worker assembled play equipment at Funky Beez on Route 26 in Vestal. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

From coast to coast: The 20 best regional fast-food chains to try

From burgers to subs and even creamy milkshakes, these tasty fast-food chains, compiled by Stacker, are a must-try on your next road trip.

25 richest families in America

To find out which clans hold the most wealth, Stacker compiled a list of the 25 richest families in America using 2020 data from Forbes.

LOOK: The oldest cities in America

Though the United States doesn’t have as long of a history as some Old World countries, it still has plenty of historical charm. Stacker brings you a list of the 50 oldest cities in America.