After being vacant for years, the iconic Distelfink is once again serving ice cream thanks to owners David and Melissa Stremmel of Biglerville. The restaurant is located at 2710 Old Harrisburg Road, at the intersection of Shriver’s Corner Road.
Cecil Sandoe owned the original restaurant, which sold soft-serve ice cream, sandwiches, baked goods, and more. The restaurant changed hands several times and most recently sat vacant for over a decade.
The word Distelfink is Pennsylvania German, and the bird represents happiness and good fortune. The stylized bird is Pennsylvania Dutch Art.
The couple officially opened the doors with a soft opening on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. David said the day fulfilled a dream that he thought about as he drove past the longtime local landmark daily. “I passed it several times a day,” he said. “It had been closed for so long, and we wanted to bring it back to the community, for our family, and for our kids. The opportunity came at just the right time. “God closed one door and opened another for us,” he said.
One of the most recognizable features of the business — the large and iconic neon Distelfink sign — is expected to return soon. While it was not ready in time for the opening, a local craftsman is diligently restoring the historic sign. “It will make its return soon,” Dave promised.
The Stremmels have also made a point of preserving the restaurant’s history by salvaging not only the original signs, but also the original block and footprint from the property whenever possible. They did, however, have to demolish part of the original building, which was collapsing.
Although the Stremmels anticipated a quiet soft opening, that quickly changed. “I was hoping to have a light soft opening, flying under the radar,” Dave said. “But word got out fast on Facebook. My brother gave me a heads-up Wednesday evening to prepare for a much larger crowd than expected.”
“We’ve just been blown away by how the community has responded,” said Dave. “Everyone has been so supportive,” he added, beaming with excitement.
Many longtime customers stopped by to welcome the business back. One customer even arrived with balloons to celebrate the reopening, creating a memorable moment for the new owners. Another insisted on a big hug.
The turnout became so heavy that employees watched with eyes wide open as vehicles began circling the restaurant before opening time. Seeing the traffic circling, the staff decided to open the parking lot at 10:15 a.m., well ahead of the scheduled 11:00 a.m. opening.
Distelfink is currently open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sundays. For now, the menu features 24 flavors of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream. Varieties include Butter Pecan, Black Cherry, Green Mint Chip, Banana Pudding, Moose Tracks, and many more. There are ample toppings offered, such as hot fudge, M&Ms, Peanut Butter Sauce, Nerds, and more. Milkshakes are available. There will also be seasonal flavors planned. Customers are also encouraged to request flavors they’d like to see offered in the future as requests will be considered.
The Stremmels say this is just the beginning. They plan to expand the menu with soft-serve ice cream and what Dave describes as “fun foods,” including burgers, fries, and other family favorites. There are various possibilities they are considering, such as local music and bringing back classic car nights. With enthusiasm, Dave said, “There is unlimited potential, but for now we’re focusing on ice cream.”
For the Stremmels, reopening Distelfink is about more than serving ice cream; it’s about restoring a place that generations of Adams County residents remember fondly and creating new memories for years to come.
Back in the 50’s and early 60’s, my grandmother used to take me to Distelfink when I would visit my grandparents each summer. I loved going there and I’m glad it’s back.
They need to have their original soft pretzels.
I can’t wait to come back. Came there as a kid and even when I was older and so glad it is reopened.