Ice House Starting A New Season In Newtown, Yardley

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — In just a few short days, Newtown and Yardley will again be enjoying one of the best hand-crafted gourmet water ices in Bucks County.

On Saturday, March 16 at noon Jackie and Todd McGonigal will reopen their popular Ice House locations in Yardley Borough and Newtown Borough for another season of frozen treats.

This year marks the second year for the Newtown store, which celebrated its grand opening in 2023 on North State Street, and the 30th anniversary of the Yardley store, which was founded three decades ago on South Main Street by Jackie's aunt and uncle, John and Susan Bissert.

The Ice House will mark its 30th anniversary this year in Yardley with the release of a commemorative anniversary t-shirt designed by a local artist.

“We're looking forward to being back at both locations and growing our following," said Jackie. "We can’t wait to see all of our customers again and welcome new customers to our stores."

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day weekend and its grand reopening, the Ice House will be featuring two new limited-time-only flavors - Irish Potato featuring coconut, cinnamon, and cream cheese flavorings and milk chocolate Guinness made with non-alcoholic Guinness Beer.

A soft-served mint green custard also will be available during March at the Yardley store.

Since its opening three decades ago, the Ice House has built a reputation for making and serving top-shelf, gourmet water ice made with premium, fresh, and creamy ingredients.

"We're always sourcing new flavors and ideas and coming up with new creations," said Jackie. "We just keep adding to our recipe book."

Both stores feature more than 160 unique rotating flavors, including several core offerings like
orange creamsicle, cherry Bordeaux, chocolate chocolate chip, banana cream pie, cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, mint chocolate chip, strawberry lemonade, mango and more.

In addition to its wildly popular gourmet water ice, the Yardley Ice House will be serving its standard vanilla and chocolate custard, its Pineapple Dole Whip, and its new mint custard for March. Newtown will be offering vanilla and chocolate custard "on tap" and various "to-go" options from its front freezer.

Always experimenting with new flavors, the Ice House owners said they are working on several new flavors, including Macadamia Nut. They're also toying with the idea of a dill pickle flavor.

The McGonigal's will also be reaching out to local food and beverage establishments to create new limited-edition flavors. "We're going to mix some of our products and some of their products."

Among the new flavors is a Calm Waters Cold Brew Custard that will be sold as a "to go" item at the Newtown store. The new flavor comes courtesy of a partnership between the Newtown Ice House and Calm Waters Coffee on South State Street.

(Photo courtesy of the Newtown Ice House)

The Ice House owners said they will continue partnering this year with the nearby Newtown Theatre with cross-promotional offerings. Last year, the Ice House whipped up three different Marguerita flavors during Jimmy Buffet nights at the theatre. They also provided refreshing desserts during the theatre's annual Black and White Night.

John and Susan Bissert opened the Yardley Ice House three decades ago building it into a hugely successful seasonal business.

Under their ownership, Yardley Ice House won Best of Philly in 2003, 2012, 2013, and in 2016 when it graced the cover of Philadelphia Magazine as the best water ice in the Delaware Valley.

The Bisserts retired at the beginning of 2022 passing the reins of the business over to their niece, Jackie, and her husband, Todd, who have continued to improve and expand the business.

The Ice House will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. during the spring and until 10 p.m. in the summer. They will also be scheduling fundraising with local schools and organizations. Contact the Ice House for details.

For more information about daily flavors, visit newtownicehouse.com or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.