Customers flock to Glen's Frozen Custard as season draws to close

Tuesday’s mild weather prompted many devoted followers of Glen’s Frozen Custard to race to stands in Springdale and Lower Burrell before they close for the season at 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Many customers went to scoop up Glen’s traditional cones, while others went for seasonal favorites such as homemade pumpkin roll or peach cobbler topped with your choice of soft-serve flavors that are left and fall-colored sprinkles.

“We are seeing the die-hard fans, but we are getting a lot of people who come for the special fall items,” said Eli Wilson, 34, of Cheswick, a fourth-generation owner.

At Glen’s, a pumpkin pie is kicked up to a pumpkin custard pie. High-quality cream and whole eggs instead of just the whites make the custard quite different from mere ice cream, according to Wilson.

Taking a cue from his great-grandfather Glen Wilson, who founded the custard shop in 1948, Eli Wilson opens and closes his custard shops annually on the same day. He will reopen on the second Thursday of March.

In the waning days of the season, demand has been brisk at the custard stands for the fall-themed, frosty goodness of pumpkin roll sundaes, pumpkin custard pies, peach cobbler and hot chocolate floats. The regular pumpkin pie “Glenwiches,” pints of frozen custard and more will remain on sale at local supermarkets after Wednesday’s closing.

Peach cobbler and pumpkin rolls are home-baked, as are the cookies for the custard Glenwiches and other creations.

“It tastes better,” Wilson said. “You can’t beat it.”

While the fall-themed treats keep customers coming back long after the first frost, Wilson said it’s the “frozen custard that sets us apart.”

Customized machines create a frozen custard that is rich with very little air pumped into it, Wilson said.

That creamy taste was developed by Wilson’s great-grandfather through trial and error.

New flavors abound, with Wilson whipping up a special peppermint stick-flavored custard just last week for the Oakmont Country Club.

Given the popularity of his family’s frozen custard, Wilson said instead of opening a third custard shop location, he has worked over the past four years to distribute Glen’s custard wholesale.

Glen’s sells its pints, chocolate chip cookie Glenwiches and other confections at all Community Markets, most Giant Eagles, Shop ’n Saves, Labriola’s and more.