Paint Creek Cider Mill Restaurant Reopens

The restaurant, which in December, reopened today with several new menu items, including new ice cream flavors and beverages.

Restaurant's owner John Shield has owned the business for about a year.

The store continues with 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream with several toppings and sundaes. Beverages include smoothies, shakes, malts, water, pop and iced tea. Doughnuts and cider also are available. The diner also has a 1,500-square-foot patio with picnic tables for use during warmer weather.

New items on the menu are hot dogs, including chili dogs and bacon cheese dogs, chicken wraps, flat-bread pizza and homemade, hand-cut French fries.

“You’re always trying to improve,” Shield said. “We got a lot of suggestions, people asking for pizza and wraps.”

The restaurant offers coupons on its website and will also have a buy-one-get-one-free special through April 15. In addition, customers can receive promotions via e-mail.

Everything in the restaurant is priced under $5. Hot dogs will be under $2 and French fries and a pop will be $2.49.

“I think we’re going to be packed,” Shield said. “Everybody knows we’re here. We’ve got great prices, great food and a good atmosphere.”

Shield took over the business last June because he thought it was a good location. He added new ice cream equipment, décor, tables and chairs. He plans to have an anniversary party, host car shows and have magicians to entertain families.

“We like having fun with all the kids,” Shield said. “Everybody is supportive in the township.”

Located next to the , it attracts many people who are taking a break from walking, running or cycling. The building is owned by Oakland Township and includes offices for several organizations including Oakland Township Parks and Recreation and the Historic District Commission.

“In the summer, it will be good, no matter what,” he said. “We’re anxious to get going."

Hours for the brightly-decorated, 1,500-square-foot restaurant are from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.  It will close for the winter on Thanksgiving Day.