The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
‘THEY SUPPORT US, WE SUPPORT THEM’
Hershey’s Ice Cream ’n More owners glad to welcome community back
For nearly 19 years, Hershey’s Ice Cream’ n More has been active in Lorain County, serving its famous chicken paprikash ice cream, dole whips, sundaes, swirlers, smoothies, shakes and foods.
The ice-cream stand reopened April 29.
Although it was only carryout for several weeks, co-owner Darlene Spishak said the beginning of the 2020 season was a hit.
“Business has been steady for us,” said Spishak, who owns the enterprise with her husband, Ray. “We have outside seating, and new additions to the menu.
“It was nice to see people out. We had families sit in their cars and one parent would come get the order and take it back. Kids would eat in the back of the truck, or they’d take it home.”
The eatery tries to keep things interesting with weekly specials and ice cream flavors of the month, Spishak said.
However, this season, the independently owned location wanted to add something new to its menu.
“We wanted to keep things interesting, so we added flatbreads,” Spishak said. “They’re doing well, and are really popular.
“Of course, we have our dole whips, custards, waffles and paprikash. But we wanted to introduce something new. The community has reacted really well.”
Known for its signature chicken paprikash dish, Hershey’s has used a secret family recipe for years, Spishak said.
“The recipe was my mother-in-law’s,” she said. “She told me when Ray and I first started dating, that I’d have to learn how to cook it because it was his favorite meal.”
At first, Spishak said she was afraid to add it to the menu because she wasn’t sure if people would take to the dish, but she said her husband insisted.
“He was right after all,” she said. “It became a huge hit and we make it fresh every day. It’s a special thing.”
Spishak said community involvement and support is one of the most important aspects of their business.
“We live in LaGrange,” she said. “We love it here and we try to be as active in the community as we can.”
To celebrate the 2020 seniors of Keystone High School, Hershey’s staff passed out free ice cream cones to the graduates during a town parade.
Spishak said she was excited to participate in the celebration, but wished she could be as active in the community as in previous years.
“We sponsor T-ball teams and they get so excited to be on the Hershey team,” she said.
“It’s just hard because we won’t get to sponsor the T-ball teams this year or be part of the concession stand in the community park.”
Although the novel coronavirus pandemic has initiated changes at the stand, Spishak said she’s grateful to be there for her customers.
“With how long we’ve been open, you get to know your neighbors and they get to know you,” she said. “It makes everything worthwhile.
“They support us and we support them.”