STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The late John Dorman was a master of taffy who brought a Coney Island candy tradition to Staten Island. The tradition dates to 1916, and now his children, Maria and John Dorman, are selling Philip’s Candy Store in Port Richmond and preparing a new owner to carry on its legacy.
The changeover will happen June 1. Maria Dorman said she and her brother chose a buyer with a deeply personal connection to the shop.
Lou Alfano, a DJ in the entertainment business and a longtime customer, will take over. He said his connection to Philip’s is rooted in childhood visits tied to his mother, who grew up in Coney Island. After the shop moved to Staten Island, he continued going with his own family, including his late daughter, Madison.
After losing Madison at age 18 in a 2024 crash, Alfano said he found a renewed sense of purpose. When the business became available, he saw it as a sign…