Our Story:
Penn Gold Ice Cream opened its doors for the first time in 1928 by Jay Hughes. Since then, Penn Gold has stayed in the same ‘Hughes’ family, passing the torch down from generation to generation.
After Jay’s passing, he handed the store over to his son, Marcel. Marcel ran the store for many years with his wife, Pearl, before eventually passing the store to their son, Gary. Gary and his wife, Mary Ann, (my mom and dad!) worked together for 30+ years to keep the tradition going before Gary’s unexpected passing in 2024.
Penn Gold is now operating in its fourth generation by Gary and Mary Ann’s daughter, Nicole, and her family (Matt & Jackson Shaffer). Nicole is the first female to own and operate the business and plans to take it well beyond 100 years in business.
Penn Gold continues to deliver homemade, high quality ice cream to the small community of Harrisville and beyond.
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The Hughes/Shaffer Family
Jay Hughes opens Penn Gold Ice Cream, bringing homemade ice cream to the Harrisville community.
After Jay’s passing, the shop is passed to his son Marcel Hughes, who runs the business alongside his wife, Pearl, continuing the family tradition.
Penn Gold is passed to Gary Hughes and his wife Mary Ann, who dedicate over 30 years to keeping the business thriving and community-focused.
After Gary’s unexpected passing, the family legacy continues with strength, love, and purpose.
Penn Gold is now proudly owned and operated by Nicole Hughes — the first female owner — alongside her family (Matt & Jackson Shaffer).
Nicole’s vision:
Carry Penn Gold beyond 100 years of business.
Penn Gold continues to deliver homemade, high-quality ice cream to Harrisville and beyond — just as it has for nearly a century.