Newtown Ice House Announces Much-Anticipated Opening Day

NEWTOWN BOROUGH — One of the most asked questions in Newtown has been answered.

The Newtown Ice House will officially open its doors on Saturday, April 15 beginning at noon at the former site of Mom Mom's Take and Bake Pizza at 156 North State Street.

And the first 200 customers in line will receive a free Newtown Ice House car magnet.

This is the second Ice House location for Jackie and Todd McGonigal who are excited to bring their one-of-a-kind Italian ices to their hometown while continuing to serve their Yardley Ice House customers.

"We are so appreciative of everyone's support. You can just feel the excitement building," said Jackie.

Newtownians who have never been to the Yardley Ice House are in for a treat, especially on those hot, muggy days of summer, said Jackie.

The Ice House uses only top shelf, premium ingredients to make its gourmet Italian Water Ice setting it apart from its competitors. “We use fresh fruit and only fresh ingredients. A lot of our flavors have pieces of candy, cookies and other things mixed in."

Carson and Zachary show off their Newtown Ice House t-shirts as they prepare for opening day. (Contributed)

Like the Yardley Ice House, the Newtown Ice House will feature standard fan favorites, including Cherry Bordeaux, mango, strawberry lemonade, peanut butter cup, banana cream pie, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip and cappuccino (containing real coffee).

In addition, it will offer a selection of rotating specialty flavors from its 140 unique offerings.

"We will be posting all of our flavors daily on our website (www.NewtownIceHouse.com)," said Jackie.

In addition to its wildly-popular gourmet Italian water ice, the Ice House will offer old-fashioned soft-serve vanilla and chocolate custard and vegan vanilla ice cream.

John and Susan Bissert opened the Yardley Ice House 29 years ago building it into a hugely successful seasonal business over three decades.

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 continue to improve and expand the business.

“We can’t wait to serve the Newtown community and see everyone when we open in April,” said Jackie.

The Newtown Ice House will be open from noon to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The store will be seasonal, closing sometime in mid to late fall.

"In Newtown we're going to continue our frequent buyer program," said Jackie. "Patrons can ask for a punch card and earn a punch for every medium and large item. After nine purchases, they get a free medium water ice."

One big change from Yardley is that the Newtown location will be accepting credit cards. Yardley has been a cash only operation.

Also, because they are located next to the Blue Pooch Grooming business they will be selling doggie ice cream sandwiches.

"We also have some fundraisers on the calendar at both locations and are looking for more clubs and schools to book with us," said Jackie. "Anyone interested in booking a fundraiser can send us an email at NewtownIceHouse@gmail.com or YardleyIceHouse@gmail.com."

Jackie is also excited to announce that the Newtown Ice House will be serving its water ice during the 2023 summer concert series at Crossing Vineyards & Winery in Upper Makefield. "We're really looking forward to that," she said.