BETHLEHEM, Pa. — More than a dozen people waited just outside 307 E. Third St. on Friday afternoon, braving the brisk winds to be among the first customers to enjoy a sweet summer treat.
But ask anyone who went to the grand opening of dessert shop Wondaffle, and they’ll tell you the wait was more than worth it.
“We’re taking our hand-crafted hard ice cream, coupling it with a Liege waffle, and throwing all the goodies on top.”Wondaffle co-owner Manny Rodriguez
Wondaffle owners Manny Rodriguez and Rick Pongracz officially opened the doors, welcoming customers to indulge in a wealth of waffles, ultra-premium ice cream and a litany of other treats.
The specialty eatery will prepare its waffles fresh on site, with special options available for those with dietary restrictions.
Rodriguez and Pongracz also are the co-owners of Batch Microcreamery at the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, and Twisted & Dipped just across from Hotel Bethlehem on Main Street, so they are certified experts in sweets.
'A perfect pairing'
The idea for Wondaffle, Rodriguez said, "came from us really just wanting to stick with the frozen dessert business.”
“We have a hand-crafted hard ice cream concept, which is Batch Microcreamery, and we thought that hard ice cream would pair perfectly with our Liege waffle concept, which is wonderful," he said.
"So we’re taking our hand-crafted hard ice cream, coupling it with a Liege waffle, and throwing all the goodies on top.”
While opening day had a few hiccups, Rodriguez and his staff were quickly able to serve up dessert to dozens of enthusiastic customers.
Rodriguez said he believes foot traffic, especially from Lehigh University students and patrons of Bethlehem’s nightlife, will be the cornerstone of the operation.
The shop will open from 3 to 11 p.m.
At the very front of the line Friday was Liz Wolf, Grace Ditmar and Jason Schachter — all Lehigh students — who eagerly anticipated the opening.
“I love ice cream," Wolf said. "I've been to an ice cream festival in Philadelphia before, so I definitely look out for things like this, and it's a lot of fun.”
“I think that the warmth of the waffle with the cold ice cream is like perfect. So definitely very good. I'd get it again.”Wondaffle customer Liz Wolf
Wolf said she had followed the business’ social media accounts for months awaiting the opening.
“I think that the warmth of the waffle with the cold ice cream is like perfect," she said after trying its offerings. "So definitely very good. I'd get it again.”
Wolf opted for the Monster Smash, featuring a Liege waffle with Cookie Monster ice cream, chocolate sauce, cookie dough and powdered sugar.
Ditmar went with the Berries and Cream, adding some chocolate ice cream to the mix.
“My first thought was, ‘Yeah, the hard ice cream was a really interesting consistency,’" Ditmar said. "I usually like soft serve, but this is kind of almost a mix between soft serve and hard ice cream.”
Ditmar said the ice cream did not melt as fast as she expected.
Decadent and delightful
Customers can enjoy a decadent Liege waffle, alongside bubble waffles, waffle cones and waffle bowls, and cool off with some Batch handcrafted ice cream.
The Liege waffle, for those unfamiliar, originates from Wallonia, Belgium, and is famous for its dense Brioche batter and pearl sugar mixed in the batch.
While they traditionally are served alone, Wondaffle has taken the treat to the next level.
Toppings and mix-ins will make each tasty treat unique.
Offerings include caramel, hot fudge, marshmallows, peanut butter, strawberry sauce, bit-sized candies such as M&MS and gummy candies, and fresh fruit.
The store will feature 16 Batch Microcreamery flavors, including beloved classics such as cold brew, mint chip, Cookie Monster, and more. Wondaffle plans to offer up 10 to 12 standard flavors alongside rotating seasonal options.Wondaffle owners
The store will feature 16 Batch Microcreamery flavors, including beloved classics such as cold brew, mint chip, Cookie Monster, and more.
Wondaffle plans to offer up 10 to 12 standard flavors alongside rotating seasonal options.
Wondaffle also will cater to those with food allergies, offering gluten-free and vegan options, the owners said.
As for those treats: Of course, there will be the classic waffle and ice cream sandwich, but those looking for a bit of novelty also can enjoy ice cream nachos with waffle chips, and bubble waffle cones with ice cream.
Ask anyone in line, though, and they’re sure to say there’s no wrong way to order at Wondaffle.
“My personal favorite is the Berries and Cream as well," Rodriguez said. "I love fruit on top of my ice cream.
"If I were to go with a second, it would be PB Jammin’ — it's like peanut butter and jelly; so delicious.”
