The Freeze near Orwigsburg reopens after vehicle accident; repairs underway
Jul. 28—ORWIGSBURG — A few days after a motor vehicle accident temporarily closed The Freeze, the restaurant has reopened and is operating under its normal business hours.
Marissa Melochick, co-owner of the restaurant, said The Freeze closed on Sunday when a vehicle struck part of the building and damaged the interior and exterior.
A makeshift wall has been set up along the front of the restaurant near the counter, with seating in that area closed while repairs are underway.
"We wanted to get it back up and running as quickly as we can," Melochick said.
According to Melochick, the vehicle spun 360 degrees before it struck the building, damaged a brick area and bent an aluminum frame.
"It did a lot of damage when they hit it," she said.
Her husband and fellow co-owner, Benjamin Melochick, estimates a turnaround time of three to four weeks for a "permanent fix."
"It looks like once the repairs are done, people will come in like normal," he said.
Local contractors, including Dave Miller & Sons and Victor E. Muncy Inc., are at work on the repairs.
The restaurant in North Manheim Twp. reopened at 11 a.m. Tuesday and continues to operate at its normal hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. weekends.
Established in 1958 by the Groff family, The Freeze operated under that family until the Melochicks purchased it last year.
Famed for its milkshakes, the restaurant serves hand-dipped and soft serve ice cream — including lactose-free options — in addition to hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, sandwiches and other items.
(Updated to clarify family language.)
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
