New, improved Berkey Creamery is open for busy-ness

Berkey Creamery reopened Saturday after weeks of leaving customers without their Bittersweet Mint and Alumni Swirl.

And some patrons said it was worth the wait.

The store, located in the Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building on Curtin Road, closed Dec. 23 for renovations that included more freezer space, enlarged coolers, relocation of the fountain drink stand, new flooring and paint, and a design to improve the flow of foot traffic, a report from Penn State said.

Assistant manager James Brown said despite being open for less than 10 years, the facility is already showing signs of wear and tear.

“We’ve learned more about how customers move through the space and what products they want to see and purchase,” Brown said in a statement.

Some regulars said they were happy with the new look.

“It’s not completely different, which I like, but I noticed the line wasn’t out the door,” Penn State senior Maggie Berns said. “It just seems a little more open so when it’s really hot or cold out, people aren’t having to wait outside.”

But on a 60-degree afternoon, some customers said they couldn’t think of a better day for the creamery to open.

“It’s perfect to get people out, especially during Thon weekend,” Paul Trudeau said.

Trudeau and his wife, Sherrilynne, were in from Potsdam, N.Y., to visit their daughter, who attends Penn State.

“It’s become a tradition to go to the creamery when we’re here,” Trudeau said. “It wouldn’t have been the same if it was still closed.”

Like the Trudeau family, many took advantage of outdoor seating.

“It’s almost like springtime with this weather, so why not be outside when we can?” Berns, who went to the creamery with a group of friends, said. “We’re just taking a break from some Thon activities to get energized — and (get) fresh air — before we go back.”

Saturday marked the second day of the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, otherwise known as Thon, which supports the fight against pediatric cancer.

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 2:12 PM with the headline "New, improved Berkey Creamery is open for busy-ness."