UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Here is a bit of sweet news — the Penn State Berkey Creamery will reopen Monday, July 20.
Like other food-service operations, the Penn State landmark had to close its retail store in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It continued to serve customers through online sales and curbside service.
Now that some of the mitigation mandates have been lifted by the commonwealth, creamery staff is ready to greet customers in the store again, but under certain conditions, noted Jim Brown, assistant manager.
“We are beyond excited to be reopening our storefront,” Brown said. “However, our top concern is the health and safety of our staff and customers. As a food-service facility, we follow strict guidelines for sanitization and safety, but we are taking extra precautions in the wake of COVID-19.”
The new procedures, which will be in place until further notice, include the following:
— Hours of operation will be from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers should plan ample time for their visit as the store will close promptly at 7 p.m. This new schedule provides extra time for the staff to clean and sanitize the store.
— A maximum of 10 people will be allowed inside at one time; door attendants will assist with traffic flow. Hand-sanitizing stations are set up at the entrance and exit doors.
— If you are feeling ill, do not come to the store. Please use the website to purchase products.
— Face masks are required for entry into the store.
— Customers must follow social distancing guidelines by keeping 6 feet of distance between themselves and others inside and outside.
— The inside and outside seating areas will be closed temporarily.
— Only prepackaged items will be sold. Hand-dipped ice cream, shakes and floats currently are not available.
— Customers are asked not to bring personal bags or coolers into the store. Dry ice, if needed, will be provided in a paper bag.
— The coffee station and other self-serve areas will be closed.
— Creamery staff will offer same-day curbside service from noon to 1:30 p.m. daily in designated spots in the East Parking Deck. Customers must call between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to reserve a same-day pickup time. There will be a limited number of spots available each day; high call volumes are expected. Please check the creamery’s website for current availability of flavors prior to placing your order. To reserve a same-day order, call 814-863-4760.
“We appreciate our customers’ support and understanding of these temporary changes,” Brown said. “We all want to get back to some level of normalcy, but the times we are living in call for us to be extra cautious. However, being able to greet our loyal fans in person again is a positive step forward — we have missed their smiling faces.”
The latest information about the Berkey Creamery can be found on its website at http://creamery.psu.edu or by following @psucreamery on Facebook or Twitter.