Meadows Original Frozen Custard Taking Over Former Cranberry Creamery

Growing up in Indiana, Pa., Joe and Jodi Bier would head to the local Meadows Original Frozen Custard stand whenever they were in the mood for a cool treat.

They weren’t the only ones.

“Any time you would go there, it would be busy,” said Joe Bier.

Now the husband-and-wife team, married for one year, is hoping to enjoy the same success with their own branch of the frozen custard chain, opening soon at the former Cranberry Creamery on Route 19 in Cranberry.

“It’s definitely different from anything else around here,” Jodi Bier said. 

The couple, both 2007 graduates of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, said they were planning to start their own business when they learned Meadows, which originally opened in the central part of the state, was franchising its concept.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Joe Bier, who had been working in sales, of opening a business.

Though a real estate agent, they learned Jim and Melissa Beck, the longtime owners of Cranberry Creamery, were looking to sell the building.

With its spot on Route 19, plus the fact that it had a drive-thru, the Biers said the building was their dream location. They also were able to buy most of the equipment inside the Creamery from the Becks, Joe Bier said.

The couple, both 27, currently are hard at work renovating the building. Besides changes to the interior, the couple has painted over the building’s infamous black cow spots and plan to add a new awning.

The plan is to open the custard joint between mid-January and February. Jodi Bier, a physician assistant, said they brought back some of Cranberry Creamery’s staff to work at Meadows. They also are hiring for other positions at the business, which will be open year round.  

Founded in 1950 in Duncansville, Pa. by the Meadows family, The Meadows Original Frozen Custard in Cranberry will offer several flavors of frozen custard, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, gelati, sundaes, shakes, cakes, smoothies and more.

The couple said they already are getting inquires from residents curious about the new business—and the opening date.

“We’re excited to have people try something new,” Jodi Bier said. “I’m hoping everyone enjoys it and finds it unique.”