Business Profile: Gingerbread University

Owner: Frederick Terry Sr.
Year established: 1999
Location: 3225 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Phone: 631-727-7309
Number of employees: 10
Gingerbread University, created by retired college professor Frederick Terry Sr. in 1999, provides undecorated gingerbread houses, specialty shapes and giant cookies to individuals to decorate using candy and icing also supplied at the “university.”
Entering through a fully stocked candy store and cookie factory, guests are surrounded by a “fantasyland of gingerbread and sweets of every shape and size, from giant candy canes to houses, trains and toy soldiers,” said Mr. Terry. Eight “gingerelves” aid in the decorating process and, in addition to the families, oversee the frequent birthday parties held at Gingerbread University.
Mr. Terry said, “It is truly a unique, one-of-a-kind place where not only sugar plums may dance in your head, but you will be offered a freshly baked, warm gingerbite cookie to top off the experience.”
Gingerbread University is handicapped accessible, has space for individuals as well as groups, and operates throughout the year. It also ships numerous items that can be found on gingerbreaduniversity.com.
The annual Gingerbread House Competition and Gingerbread Festival will be held Friday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from June until Christmas and weekends the rest of the year. Call for exact hours.