Former Pop's Ice Cream Location Could Bring Sweet Treats Back to Spring City

A familiar storefront on Spring City's Main Street could soon be serving ice cream again, as a local entrepreneur looks to bring a new dessert shop or similar business to the former home of Pop's Ice Cream.

Dan Phillips, a Realtor who also owns the G Lodge Cafe in Phoenixville, is seeking an operator for the approximately 300-square-foot space at 85 N. Main Street. Phillips previously ran Pop's Ice Cream at the location and believes the borough's growing downtown business community makes this an ideal time to bring something similar back.

"Spring City now feels like it's something worthwhile," Phillips said. "One more business adds to the cog and makes everything spin a little better."

Phillips opened Pop's about 10 years ago, operating at 85 N. Main Street for a year and a half before relocating across the street to a larger space now occupied by Three Brothers Mexican Grill.

The original shop featured a nostalgic ice cream parlor atmosphere, with display cases, a service counter, and enough room for customers to come inside, order, and leave with their treats.

Following Pop's departure, the space became home to Pure Bull Protein, a business that produced beef jerky there for about six years. Phillips said that business moved out two months ago, giving him an opportunity to reconsider the property's future.

Now, he hopes to find someone interested in returning it to its original purpose.

Small Space, Big Possibilities

Phillips said much of the infrastructure needed for a food-service business is already in place, including plumbing, sinks, and equipment left from the original ice cream operation.

"I have 90 percent of the equipment to open for ice cream tomorrow," he said.

The space recently received new flooring and requires relatively minor additional work, although a prospective business would still need the appropriate health department approvals.

Phillips is also considering the possibility of converting the storefront's existing front window into a walk-up service window, allowing customers to order without entering the small shop.

While Phillips envisions the space returning to its roots as an ice cream parlor, he's also open to other concepts, including water ice, candy, or another small food-service business.

Phillips, who leases the property, said he would also be willing to help an aspiring business owner navigate the process of opening.

"I'd be more than glad to help somebody get started in here, answer any questions, and point them in the right direction," he said.

Although Phillips could reopen the shop himself, he said his real estate business and responsibilities at the G Lodge make finding another operator more appealing.

Building on Main Street's Momentum

The effort comes amid a wave of new business activity along Spring City's Main Street.

This year has seen the reopening of Tuned Up Brewery and the Spring City Hotel's restaurant, along with the opening of Punch Buggy Brewing Company's taproom, Alisan Road Mercantile's Local Things general store, and Neighbors Barbershop.

Another addition, Spring City Coffee, is expected to open in early 2027.

Phillips said he has long believed Spring City had the potential for a stronger downtown business district. During his years operating Pop's, he regularly pushed borough officials to devote more attention to Main Street.

He now sees encouraging signs, pointing to the mural and municipal parking lot at Main Street and Yost Avenue, new housing, and an expanding collection of businesses that give people more reasons to visit.

During the interview, two neighboring business owners stopped by the storefront and joined the conversation, offering their own ideas for what could succeed in the space.

Andy Meacham, co-owner of The Gem Music Hall, welcomed the possibility of another downtown attraction.

"I think an ice cream shop would be great here. I like the candy idea too," Meacham said. "Any more local-type shops would be beneficial to Spring City for sure."

Cori Parmley, co-owner of Alisan Road Mercantile, a general store specializing in locally sourced products just two doors down, encouraged Phillips to consider partnering with a local ice cream maker.

"How great would it be to have a local producer who already makes ice cream?" she asked.

The conversation also highlighted the potential for downtown businesses to benefit one another, with visitors able to shop, eat, enjoy a drink, and check out live entertainment during a single trip to Main Street.

A Sweet Addition to Downtown

Spring City Mayor Adam Alberico has been vocal about his desire to attract more businesses to the borough, including publicly advocating for a Rita's Water Ice and a Trader Joe's.

He said the former Pop's location could be particularly well suited for a business that can recreate a familiar Main Street experience.

"I would love to see this location bring back that nostalgic, old-fashioned Main Street charm," Alberico said. "Imagine a small ice cream shop, flavored ice stand, or even an old-time candy store where families can stop in for a quick treat."

"It would offer something different from what we currently have downtown while fitting perfectly with the character and feel we are trying to build on our Main Street," the mayor added.

Phillips also believes delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats could provide new opportunities for a small dessert business that were less accessible when Pop's first opened.

For Phillips, the goal is not simply to fill an available storefront. He wants to contribute to a downtown he has spent years hoping would thrive.

With more businesses opening, more residents discovering Main Street, and a growing sense of collaboration among local entrepreneurs, he believes Spring City is moving in the right direction.

"All the pieces are coming together," Phillips said.