Hills Snack Bar Food Truck Closer To Launching

ALIQUIPPA, PA — One man's plans to revive a significant part of the Hills discount department store chain took a large step forward this week. Jason Powell of Aliquippa got the Icee machine he ordered.

The machine that produces the fun-tastic frozen treat was installed in the Hills-themed food truck that Powell plans to take on the road soon. In addition to Icees, the truck will feature the snack bar items that people still fondly recall purchasing at Hills.

According to the truck's Facebook page, Powell also has met with Gold Medal Concessions, a supplier for the original Hills snack bar. Powell plans to rely on the company for some of the truck's menu items.

When the truck does hit the road, where will it stop? Powell has obtained a list of 200 former Hills locations and plans to park at many of them this summer.

Founded in Youngstown OH, Hills went out of business in 1999 when it was acquired by rival discount chain Ames. But nearly a quarter-century, the Hills brand still maintains a mystique in Western Pennsylvania.

The food truck has yet to make its first stop and yet has more than 2,000 Facebook followers. The Remembering Hills Department Stores Facebook page has nearly 15,000 followers.

Additionally, a variety of Hills memorabilia can be found online - including snack bar T-shirts.