Demolition Crews Raze Vacant Irondequoit Custard Building

Crews have cleared the long-vacant Abbott's Frozen Custard structure located at Culver and East Ridge Roads.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings

An industrial bulldozer rests in a cleared dirt and gravel lot where a building once stood at a street intersection. — Demolition crews cleared the former Abbott's Frozen Custard building in Irondequoit this week, ending a long-standing vacancy at a prominent intersection. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Demolition crews cleared the former Abbott's Frozen Custard building in Irondequoit this week. The site, which has been vacant since it closed in the 1990s, was previously targeted for a potential Starbucks development.

Why it matters

The removal of the structure marks the end of a long-standing vacancy at a prominent intersection in Irondequoit. While the property drew interest from national developers in recent years, its immediate future remains undecided.

The town planning board reviewed development plans for the site in 2024, confirming support for a potential Starbucks project. The site currently displays an asbestos warning sign following the structural demolition.

The players

Abbott's Frozen Custard

This local establishment operated the site until closing its doors in the 1990s.

Starbucks

This multinational coffeehouse chain expressed interest in developing the parcel in 2024.

Irondequoit Town Planning Board

This municipal body oversees land use decisions and previously supported development plans for this intersection.

The details

Demolition crews completed the physical destruction of the building structure during the week of October 15, 2026. The site was previously identified as a location of interest by Starbucks in 2024.

The former custard shop location closed in the 1990s.
Starbucks actively pursued the property for development in 2024.
Demolition of the vacant building occurred during the week of October 15, 2026.

Market Landscape

The clearing of this parcel follows the site's previous inclusion in the town planning board's 2024 development review cycle. This transition reflects broader efforts to repurpose long-vacant commercial assets in competitive suburban corridors.

Residents should expect ongoing site work and potential traffic adjustments near the Culver and East Ridge Roads intersection. Local shoppers may see new development activity on the cleared land in the near future.

The takeaway

The removal of the long-vacant custard stand clears the way for potential future commercial use at this major intersection. Residents can monitor town records for upcoming filings regarding the development of the cleared parcel.