Milton's Ice Cream Parlor Inspired by Mr. Hershey's Early Business Ventures
Historic Architectural Elements Showcased In New Culinary Offering
Opening April 2 in the new Hershey's Chocolatetown region, Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is inspired by Mr. Hershey's early ventures in sweetness that came before his famous chocolate factory.
Milton S. Hershey launched his first business at the age of 18, a confectionery shop on Philadelphia’s Spring Garden Street. After several years, the business went bankrupt and Mr. Hershey moved on to seek opportunities in Denver, Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City. Having yet to succeed, but still driven to share his vision of sweetness, he returned to Pennsylvania penniless in 1886. There, he started the Lancaster Caramel Company - his first successful business. After selling the caramel company in 1900 to focus on chocolate, he opened the Hershey Chocolate Company Soda Fountain and Candy Shop on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. He did so to keep his brand in the public eye before opening the world’s largest chocolate factory right here in Hershey in 1905.
Throughout Milton's Ice Cream Parlor in Hershey's Chocolatetown, guests may notice some historic architectural elements and decorative touches thoughtfully selected to reflect the design of the Hershey Chocolate Company Soda Fountain and Candy Shop, and pay homage to Mr. Hershey.
Wainscot Details
The Hershey Chocolate Company Soda Fountain and Candy Shop on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia featured a bar with intricate millwork details and raised panel wainscot as you can see in the left photo below. The team incorporated the raised wainscot on the ice cream bar in Milton's Ice Cream Parlor as a nod to this unique design feature.
Bentwood Chairs
One iconic design that transcended time and found its place in Milton's Ice Cream Parlor is the Bentwood chair. These chairs will be placed throughout the space for guests to relax and enjoy a King Size Sundae or other sweet treats during their visit. Round tables on decorative metal bases will also be used for guest seating.
Inlaid Mirrors
Milton's Ice Cream Parlor features mirrors inlaid along the back counter that represent the mirrors behind the bar of the Hershey Chocolate Company Soda Fountain and Candy Shop.
Diamond Tile Work
Two different patterns of diamond tile flooring are found in Milton's Ice Cream Parlor. One features a black and white diamond pattern and the other has smaller diamonds with hints of green. This flooring was chosen to reflect the diamond pattern of the tile in one of Mr. Hershey's early business ventures.
Scoops, Sundaes & Shareables
At Milton's Ice Cream Parlor, expert Ice Creamologists will craft custom creations from more than a dozen 100% local dairy house-made ice cream flavors like Candymonium, Reese's Peanut Butter, Toasted Marshmallow, Graham Coaster Station, and Malted Memories (Spartan ice cream hand-crafted by Milton Hershey School students) to name a few.
Those looking for a savory option can grab a bite from the shareable menu featuring Chicken N Waffles, one of Mr. Hershey's favorite dishes, and much more. You can view the full menu here.
We hope to see you in April for a sweet treat at Milton's Ice Cream Parlor. Make sure to follow us @HersheyparkEats on Instagram and share your delicious creations with us by tagging #HersheyparkEats.