Ma and Pa’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe
The Reasnor Savings Bank, empty since 1937, finally has a new life and a new purpose. The bank building has been reborn as Ma and Pa’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe.
When Jerry Rempp moved from Newton to Reasnor 3 and 1⁄2 years ago, he inherited the bank building on his property, and he began wondering what he could do with the historic site.
“There was nothing there, just an empty shell,” Rempp said. Last October, he began thinking about what he could do with the building, and decided that Reasnor could use a restaurant.
“I’m trying to make this an intimate place, and this town needed something,” he said
Rempp said he performed much of the renovation himself. He used to make furniture and musical instruments, so he has had some experience. Still, Rempp said, he had to begin from scratch with the 102-year-old building.
Ma and Pa’s menu includes several ice cream items, including malts and shakes, plus a variety of sandwiches, such as loose meat and cold deli items, supplemented with homemade potato salad, cole slaw and pies, made by Rempp’s mother-in-law Lucille Cossel. Rempp’s wife Dianna also works in the restaurant, and Deana Williams helps on occasion. The restaurant has seating for about 20 customers, but Rempp said he is considering closing for a month or so next winter and expanding the dining area, because the response to the grand opening on July 25.
“It’s really been incredible. Folks have showed so much appreciation,” Rempp said.
Hours for Ma and Pa’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays.
