It’s the first sign that spring is almost here… Page Dairy Mart has set the opening date for their 2021 season!
The beloved South Side ice cream shop is set to open its (outdoor) doors on Friday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.
This year, they’ll be celebrating their 70th year in business, offering soft serve cones, Arctic swirls, shakes, ice cream sandwiches, and their super-popular chocolate chip sundaes, using Nancy B’s chocolate chip cookies.
“Nancy B’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae is the most popular item,” owner Marjorie Page-Prusia told us last year. “We use chocolate chip cookies from Nancy B’s Bakery in Homestead.” The cookies are always fresh because the sundaes sell so quickly.
In 2020, Majorie Page-Prusia became the shop’s first sole female owner, after taking ownership from her parents Chuck and Barbara Page (who took ownership from Chuck’s father Charles Richard Page, in 1986). The Page family originally bought the property where the Dairy Mart now stands in 1916.
Last year also saw the introduction of new dairy-free options, like an almond-based soft serve.
The COVID-19 pandemic shut the shop down for about a month last year, but quickly reopened with curbside pickup and online ordering. In a social media post, Page-Prusia wrote about her gratitude for the fans of the business, who continued to patronize the shop.
“We survived a flood in 1936, an explosion in 1958, and now a worldwide pandemic in 2020,” she wrote. “Pittsburgh, we’re only here because of you; you have been unbelievably kind, loyal, and profoundly supportive. This year was one for the books – we truly hope you take pride in knowing you are the reason we’re still here and you will now be a part of our rich history.”
Page Dairy Mart typically closes for the season in October.
The ice cream shop has an almost cult-like following in Pittsburgh with fans raving online about their favorite orders, from the Yinzer Sundae (topped with hot caramel and two pieces of blonde brownie from Pastries A-La-Cart) to seasonal autumn items, like Pumpkin Rolls Arctic Swirls. They also offer a small food menu, with nachos, burgers, hot dogs and hoagies – and they make ice cream cakes, too.
While opening date is scheduled for March 5, inclement weather could push the date back, so keep an eye on Page Dairy Mart’s Facebook and Instagram for all updates.
Page Dairy Mart (4112 East Carson Street)
Leave a Reply