EASTON, Pa. — A beloved Easton ice cream shop has decided to shutter the doors to its brick-and-mortar location, but still will be around — maybe more mobile than ever.
Melt Ice Cream Bar, 108 S. 3rd St., announced in a Facebook post last week it will close permanently as of Oct. 20.
But there’s no need to fret if you happen to be an ice cream fanatic — it will continue its truck operations at various events throughout the community.
Owner Wendy Purcell expressed the proverbial “bittersweet news” with a heartfelt message, stating the final decision was not made lightly.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support over the years."Wendy Percell
“As many of you know, I recently completed my bachelor’s degree and have taken on a full-time position at a non-profit organization," Purcell said in the post.
"Balancing both the ice cream shop and the ice cream truck has become increasingly challenging, especially as our kids are entering middle and high school, which means our family schedules are getting busier.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. It has been an incredible journey filled with sweet memories, and we are so thankful for each one of you who has walked through our doors or visited us at events.”
Purcell said the business’s ice cream truck will continue to hit up the Lehigh Valley, as well as Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris counties, and anyone who happens to have a gift card for the store can use it at the truck.
Furthermore, the truck can be rented out for weddings, family gatherings, birthday parties, school events and other occasions.
Known for indulgent scoops
Lucky customers who won free ice cream for a year have had all their points loaded onto their accounts, Purcell said, which can be used in a single transaction before the closing date.
“So don’t miss out,” she said.
As for the building, a new tenant with an interest in vintage desserts has secured the location, so keep an eye out for a new spot for tasty treats in the future.
“Thank you once again for being such an important part of our journey. We look forward to seeing you on the truck!”Wendy Purcell
Melt originally launched in May 2021 in Phillipsburg, where its South Main Street spot operated until 2023. The Easton location launched last October.
It is known for its indulgent scoops and extra-decadent mini and specialty sundaes — including options such as Cookie Monster, featuring cookie dough ice cream in a vanilla rim cup rolled in chocolate chips, swirled with chocolate syrup and topped with a Chipwich ice cream sandwich, chocolate bar, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
And that’s just one of its sweet treats.
Other options include a signature Vegan Sundae with chocolate vegan ice cream, a vegan ice cream bar, cookie and fresh strawberries; and the Let It Shine, featuring cake batter ice cream in a vanilla rim cup rolled in rainbow sprinkles and topped with a slice of rainbow cake, rainbow sprinkles and whipped cream.
“Thank you once again for being such an important part of our journey. We look forward to seeing you on the truck!” Purcell said.
