Completely kosher Baskin-Robbins open in Squirrel Hill
The first completely kosher Baskin-Robbins opened this week in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
While ice cream is kosher, visitors won’t see certain toppings such as gummy bears. All menu items have been certified by the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Pittsburgh.
The store is located at the intersection of Forbes and Shady avenues next to Dunkin’, the doughnut shop also operated by Heartland Restaurant Group, and which received a kosher designation in 2009.
A Baskin-Robbins had operated on Forbes near Murray Avenue for years, but it closed some time ago. Heartland marketing manager Chelsea Halker said they planned to open their Baskin-Robbins, which is connected to the Dunkin’, in March but the pandemic caused a delay. They needed time to do additional training and set up social distancing marks and other procedures such as cleaning protocols.
“We chose the right day to open,” Halker said of the Memorial Day opening. “It was 86 degrees and sunny. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.”
The store is grab-and-go for now. The plan is to add some tables and chairs once Allegheny County moves to the green phase. In the meantime, the store sells a do-it-yourself sundae kit, which includes two pre-packed quarts of ice cream, three toppings, a can of whipped cream and cherries for $24.99.
Heartland also plans to open Dunkin’ locations in Wilkins and East Huntingdon in mid-to-late summer.
“Squirrel Hill is such a wonderful community,” Halker said. “It’s a walkable neighborhood and we’ve seen lots of people, including families, stop by. And with the warm weather here it’s a perfect time for ice cream.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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