Ice cream, candy shop opens in downtown New Kensington

Add an ice cream parlor and candy store to the growing repertoire of businesses in downtown New Kensington.

Mark and Mandy Simon, of Winfield, opened the Lucky Duck Candy Company at 1001 Fifth Avenue on Friday at noon.

“We’ve been long-waiting for this day,” Mark said. “It’s a cool and great feeling, just to see the hard work everyone put into it. It’s really good to see everything come together.”

The brightly-colored, 1,000-square-foot space serves candy, and ice cream from the Penn State Creamery and Hershey’s.

The store is open from noon to 9 p.m. daily, except on Tuesdays.

Friends Zach Wolfe, 9 and Levi Majocha, 7, tried out Hershey’s “Playdough” ice cream with marshmallow toppings.

“It’s amazing,” Zach said.

Levi’s mother, Merissa Majocha of Apollo, said they went to the grand opening Friday to support Mark and Mandy. Her sister-in-law, Amanda Majocha, also works at Lucky Duck.

“They’re really good people,” Merissa said. They’re the kindest people you’d ever meet, and they’re always looking to do good for people.”

Merissa ordered strawberry ice cream.

“I will tell you this waffle cone is the best I’ve had in my entire life,” she said.

New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo, during the ribbon-cutting, said the city would support Lucky Duck Candy Company. The store is another great step in the revitalization of downtown, he said.

Merissa agreed.

“It’s going to be good,” Merissa said. “There’s too much bad in this town, and it’s nice to have something good finally happen.”

Rafael Viera, of New Kensington, said he was driving downtown Friday and was intrigued by the bright colors and activity around the ice cream shop. Before Lucky Duck, the space sat vacant for years.

“I love ice cream and candy,” Viera said. “I’m going to bring my grandkids down here and have them check it out.

“It’s really beautiful.”