Greensburg ice cream shop ‘trashed’ by fire will reopen, owner says

Jan. 04--The owner of a popular Greensburg ice cream spot gutted by fire Monday night says he plans to rebuild and hopes for the community's continued support.

Meadows Original Frozen Custard on Mt. Pleasant Street caught fire about 11:15 p.m. Monday. The blaze originated in an electrical outlet and freezer near the front of the building, then spread throughout the interior, franchise owner Bob Derito said.

Taking stock as cleanup crews removed debris and the remains of melted ice cream Tuesday afternoon, Derito said the structure remained sound. But the fire, smoke and heat "completely trashed" the interior, he said.

No damage estimates were available, but Derito said he was working with his insurance company to pay for reconstruction.

"We're going ahead toward rebuilding immediately," he said. "Everything is positive (with the insurance) at this point."

Derito opened the shop in 2004, his first foray into the franchise restaurant business. It became popular in the community, and he said his phone has been ringing continuously with calls and texts of concern and support.

"It's always a fun and gratifying business when you can hand something to somebody and make them smile," he said. "Everybody's really pretty happy to come here already, and, when you put a spoon in their mouth, it gets even better."

The shop employs about 12 people. Staff had just left for the night shortly before the fire started.

Matthew Santoni is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-836-6660 or msantoni@tribweb.com.

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