Tastyland to open soon, as other Western Pa. ice cream shops welcome 2021 season

After nearly 45 years of owning Tasty­land along Route 66 in Hempfield, owners Bill and Mary Kuhns passed the keys to the roadside ice cream shop and food stand on to someone new.

Jill Gunniers became the primary owner of Tastyland in December because she wanted “an adventure” to pursue now that her three children are older.

The appearance of the 70-year-old business is being updated while maintaining a 1950s feel to pay homage to its history. Renovations include adding black and white checkered flooring and a tin ceiling inside. Gunniers also is replacing the neon signs outside and adding string lights to make the store feel more “quaint.”

Fryers and ice cream machines also are being replaced, and customers will be able to pay with credit or debit cards.

Because of delays in the renovation process, Gunniers pushed back this season’s opening — until Tuesday, she hopes, but Gunniers said it will be open no later than the first week of July.

At age 75 and having a challenging year of coronavirus restrictions under his belt, Bill Kuhns said it was time to move on. He said he hopes Gunniers continues Tastyland’s traditions and is successful in the years to come.

“I was fortunate enough to have a business for all of those years,” Kuhns said. “I hope the new owners do well.”

Gunniers said she plans to keep the menu mostly the same, with the addition of different chicken sandwiches and hamburgers.

According to Kuhns, Tastyland was faced with some hurdles last season because of the pandemic.

He said the store typically opens in March, but that was postponed until May last year. Kuhns said the business also was short on employees in 2020 because parents were concerned about their children’s health.

Though business was significantly lower last year, Kuhns said Tastyland “never really felt any type of recession.”

Although Kuhns is concerned about the state of the restaurant industry, he does not anticipate any issues with Tastyland’s business going into this season.

“People are ready to go out and go,” he said. “People will always treat themselves to ice cream.”

Gunniers expects a good season as well.

“With everything being opened up… I think people are excited to get out and see their friends and enjoy some ice cream,” Gunniers said.

The scoop on other sites

Rita’s Italian Ice in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood hopes to see business pick up this summer.

Owner David Willig said his establishment relies heavily on local college students for business, and the store struggled when campuses shuttered and moved classes online.

“A lot of the students weren’t here, so I think until the students come back… it’s going to affect business,” Willig said.

Chelsea Burket reopened Swissvale Dari Delite over Memorial Day weekend, after it had been closed for several years. The stand has been “very busy” so far, Burket said.

“People are definitely back out,” she said. “Most of the other ice cream shop owners that I’ve talked to had one of their best years last year.”

Christine Baur, manager of the Bruster’s in New Stanton, said the business has not missed a beat since the pandemic began.

Business was normal in 2020, and this season is shaping up to be more successful, said Baur, who has worked at Bruster’s for six years.

“People are definitely getting out and about, and you can see that in business,” she said.

Bruster’s has, however, had issues ordering supplies. Baur said the store has not been able to order consistent amounts or brands since the pandemic began.

Because of the increase in business so far this season, Baur said the location will remain open until December instead of October.

Glen’s Frozen Custard in Lower Burrell shut down its grill last season but kept its walk-up windows open, owner Eli Wilson said.

Wilson said he was “happy with our personal results last year” but found it “heartbreaking” to see other businesses close their doors.

According to Wilson, a Glen’s production facility will be built along Leechburg Road in the coming months. He hopes to make the facility an official restaurant location to expand its custard and baked good products in the future.

Gunniers said she hopes to add a drive-thru at Tastyland in a year or two, as well as eventually add ice cream cakes to the menu.

Although she is aiming to “get in the rhythm and learn everything” this season, Gunniers said she hopes to expand Tastyland’s audience.

“We’re really trying to make it a great experience for people to come out and enjoy the view and everything,” Gunniers said.