York County Trail Towns: Gillice Italian Ice & Ice Cream

Small Business Spotlight: GILLICE ITALIAN ICE & ICE CREAM

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Nestled in a cozy corner of the heart of New Freedom Borough, you will find Gillice Italian Ice & Ice Cream and its proprietor, Myra Gillis. Myra, a retired school bus driver, began operating an ice-cream truck over the summer. When she retired in 2013, it became her full-time job. Two years ago, she opened a store front on West Main Street in New Freedom. What started seventeen years ago, as an idea, grew into the thriving business that we see today.

Myra Gillis, Gillice Italian Ice & Ice Cream

The Trail Towns Program is helping us 'promote our business and is doing great things for the trail towns.'

A transplant to New Freedom, Myra is an active participant in her community. As a business owner, she views it as her role to give back to her community and it certainly shows. Gillice was the first business to receive designation as a Trail Friendly Business, is a sponsor of several local youth sports teams, and frequently holds benefits for local charities and causes. Myra is an active member of the New Freedom Trail Towns Action Team, and, in 2021, she took on the role of organizing the inaugural New Freedom Christmas Parade. This event was a tremendous success. Last year, close to sixty floats participated, and Myra is already hearing from folks who would like to participate in this year’s parade.

Myra is a pillar of her community. We look forward to seeing her work continue for years to come.

GILLICE ITALIAN ICE & ICE CREAM | 1 W. Main St, New Freedom, PA 17349 | Facebook @GilliceItalianIce