Ice cream shop readies for opening in Aspinwall

Looking for a place to grab a sweet treat this summer?

The soon-to-open ice cream and grab-n-go restaurant Treat Down the Street at 231 Commercial Ave. in Aspinwall will offer food, family fun and retro summer vibes.

Owner Christina Sharbaugh says the shop is set to open in June, pending a routine go-ahead inspection from the Allegheny County Health Department.

“Our motto is happiness and a scoop,” Sharbaugh says. “I want our whole team to be smiling and happy.”

Sharbaugh has a degree in architecture and worked in Pittsburgh for years on construction projects before remotely selling real estate to be at home with her three children.

Plans for the ice cream shop began when the Vocelli Pizza on Commercial Avenue closed, leaving an opening for a new business.

“There’s not anywhere that’s open late for families or teens,” Sharbaugh says. “We just want a place for the community to hang out.”

Melissa Lang, Aspinwall’s borough manager, calls the ice cream shop “a great addition” to the town and to its business district.

“The residents of Aspinwall are thrilled to have an ice cream shop in town,” Lang said in a statement. “It’s been a longtime want for the community. The idea of recruiting for an owner to open an ice cream shop was mentioned several times during the public planning meetings for the new comprehensive plan.”

Sharbaugh plans to hold events like open mic nights, dance parties, karaoke, and art classes at Treat Down the Street.

Aspinwall passed an ordinance in October updating outdoor trading hours for businesses. Inside trading times for all businesses is 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Lang says the ordinance should not limit business operations for the shop.

On Thursdays at 11:30 a.m., Molly Romeo, Sharbaugh’s sister-in-law, will be hosting song and story times.

“The whole space is kid-centered designed,” Sharbaugh says.

The shop will have kid-friendly features like low bar countertops and a viewing window to see the ice cream being made.

The theme of the restaurant is inspired by ‘90s aesthetics, with Slinkies hanging from the ceiling, bright colors, and Backstreet Boys inspiration.

A featured menu item “Da Bomb” — an ice cream sundae resting on top of a donut — is also inspired by the popular ‘90s catchphrase.

Other menu items will include hard ice cream, soft serve ice cream, hot dogs, donuts, Red Ribbon soda, and more.

Both the hard ice cream and soft serve will be made from scratch. Sharbaugh says that she’s hoping to add homemade cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and slushies.

Local teens in Aspinwall have seized job openings at Treat Down the Street, with an approximate 20 interviews occurring so far.