Inviting the community to ‘Be Our Valentine’, The Great American Creamery Company, located at 645 Penn Street in Reading, held a special ribbon cutting ceremony Monday. Owners Balasios Lahaniatis (Saki) and Lucine Sihelnik welcomed business leaders, government officials, and media for a VIP tour of the creamery and tasting followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by community members and friends. “The opening of The Great American Creamery is yet another attraction for Penn Street and continues the revitalization of Downtown Reading, ” stated Senator Judy Schwank. “Family owned, community oriented businesses are what give the places we call home character. I’m thrilled for Lucine and her family and I can’t wait to try some ice cream!”
Local and State officials joining Senator Judy Schwank included Rep. Manny Guzman, Commissioner Michael Rivera, Mayor Eddie Moran, City Council members Johanny Cepeda Freytiz, Donna Reed, Marcia Goodman Hinnershitz, and PA Dairy Princess Mikayla Davis.
“It is always gratifying to hear new businesses are opening in the City of Reading, especially after the challenges most municipalities experienced during the pandemic,” said Mayor Morán. “We have several success stories and are proud of our thriving-local small business community; this is one of the many reasons Reading is undeniably a great place to open almost any business. Reading is on the rise, and we will continue to support our new and small business owners as they are the key component to our economic growth.”
Lahaniatis and Sihelnik spoke to the crowd of guests sharing the origin of their first business venture together in spite of the pandemic and economic challenges. “The Great American Creamery is proud to be the only location to serve the famous PSU Berkey Creamery ice cream in Greater Reading.” Said Lahaniatis. He obtained the world renowned short course certification from the PSU Department of Agricultural Sciences in 2020. “We are proud to bring America’s BEST ice cream to Downtown Reading,” said Sihelnik. “We look forward to serving the local community and visitors who come to enjoy cultural and entertainment events in the heart of our city.”
With a countdown of “3-2-1, ICE CREAM!,” the ribbon was cut and a special Valentine’s Day celebration continued as the doors were opened to the public for the first time from 4-8 PM.
The Great American Creamery Company will be open Wednesdays – Sundays 12-8 PM. Their ice cream can be purchased online as well as other locations in Reading such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading and The Santander Performing Arts Center. Not only can you get your Berkey Creamery favorite flavors like Death by Chocolate or Peachy Paterno as a cup or cone; The Great American Creamery offers the unique opportunity to enjoy them as a sundae, milkshake, float or soda.
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