There is perhaps no more recognizable shop in Gettysburg than Mr. G’s Old Fashioned Home Made & Soft Serve. Located at the corner of Baltimore and Lefever Streets, across from Unity Park, the shop is continually surrounded by families visiting Gettysburg, playing the challenging ring game, and relaxing, while they cool off with a cone or sundae.
“People come to Mr. G’s happy … and they leave even happier,” said co-owner Marc McLean. Marc and his wife Megan took over Mr. G’s two years ago when the company’s founder, Mike Gladfelter, retired.
(You might have seen Gladfelter back in the shop last month as he stepped in as a temporary “summer scooper.” McLean said July’s guest scooper has yet to be announced.)
“Our product is so good, in part because we use 16% milk fat for our ice cream,” said McLean. “All of the ice cream is homemade. Our three most popular flavors are salted caramel, cookie dough, and black raspberry.”
“The success of the business comes from our amazing staff,” McLean proudly pointed out. “More than 20 dedicated employees returned this season from last year. In fact, all but one came back,” he said.
McLean, who had ice cream experience helping at his mother’s New Oxford ice cream parlor, Sunset Ice Cream, said Gladfelter had reached out to him about taking over his business. Noting that the shop was located at a prime location, McLean readily agreed.
The McClean’s experiment with new flavors every month, taking into consideration suggestions given by both employees and customers. An example of their creativity was this summer’s Peanut Butter Coffee flavor, which was requested by a customer. McLean said the shop expects to offer about 150 different flavors this year, the most ever available in one season.
The menu includes 16 standard flavors as well as 6 or 8 additional offerings which rotate. Currently available during the summer season are fresh blueberry parfaits.
The comfortable outdoor seating at Mr. G’s creates a welcoming ambience. Shade is provided by the towering sycamore tree. Customers linger outside listening to live music, playing games, or visiting the unique gift store behind the shop.
The shop has frequently been recognized as providing “Gettysburg’s Greatest Ice Cream.”
McLean graciously thanks the community for their ongoing support. He generously gives back by offering free gift cards to local organizations, including Gettysburg Pediatrics and the Adams County Library. Mclean said he welcomes future charitable and fundraising opportunities.
Mr. G’s products can also be found at other locations, including Hollabaugh Bros. Inc,, Sweeter than Sap, Phantom Coffee, Appalachian Brewing Company, and Kennie’s Markets.
Mr. G’s will remain open through the Christmas Festival in early December.
More information can be found on the shop’s Facebook page by email at meganmclean1980@gmail.com or phone at 717.334.7600.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.
We love Mr. G’s, but really miss the inside ordering and seating. I wish they would bring that back!