Childhood Memories, Scooped One Cone at a Time: A Beloved Ice Cream Shop Gets a New Lease on Life
For Mylea Biggiani, Emily’s Ice Cream in Nazareth isn’t just a business; it’s a time capsule. From toddlerhood treats on her back porch to high school shifts behind the counter, this Lehigh Valley institution has been the backdrop to her life. Now, after nearly four decades of scooping smiles, Emily’s has a new owner – and she’s determined to keep the nostalgia flowing as generously as the chocolate syrup.
But here’s where it gets sweet (pun intended): Biggiani isn’t just preserving a business, she’s safeguarding a community cornerstone. Taking the reins from Patricia Rice in December 2025, Biggiani envisions Emily’s as more than just an ice cream shop. It’s a place where generations have celebrated birthdays, shared first dates, and created memories that stick like melted ice cream on a summer day.
And this is the part most people miss: In an era of fleeting trends and disappearing landmarks, Emily’s stands as a testament to the enduring power of local businesses. Biggiani understands this. She plans to honor the shop’s history by incorporating vintage decor, like photos of the Nazareth Speedway and Martin Guitar, and even reviving the original 1987 logo. It’s a deliberate nod to the past, a way to evoke that warm, fuzzy feeling of stepping into a place that feels like home, even if you’ve been away for years.
Biggiani’s connection to Emily’s runs deep. Having grown up in Nazareth, she remembers birthday cakes from Emily’s being a rite of passage for her and her friends. After years working in social services, her return to the Lehigh Valley and the opportunity to own Emily’s feels, in her words, “serendipitous.”
Is it just about the ice cream? Biggiani argues no. It’s about the experiences, the connections, the sense of belonging that places like Emily’s foster. “Where we have our first jobs, where we spend time with family, where traditions are born – these are the things that shape our lives,” she reflects. “Emily’s is more than just a shop; it’s a piece of our collective memory, and preserving that is incredibly important.”
With classic flavors like bisque (made with almond cookies), cherry vanilla, and mint chocolate chip, alongside plans to introduce trending options, Biggiani aims to cater to both nostalgia seekers and adventurous taste buds. Open noon to 8 pm during winter and until 10 pm in summer, Emily’s is ready to welcome old friends and new, offering a scoop of sweetness and a healthy dose of Lehigh Valley history.
Controversial Scoop: In a world dominated by chains and franchises, can independent businesses like Emily’s truly thrive? Biggiani’s passion and dedication suggest they can, but what do you think? Is there a place for these nostalgic gems in our ever-changing landscape? Let us know in the comments!
Lehigh Valley Retail Roundup:
- Bitter Closure: Bilal’s Breakfast & Sandwiches, which replaced the beloved Darto’s in Bethlehem, has permanently closed after less than a year.
- Griddle Gone: Griddle 145 in Whitehall Township has closed its doors, with staff transitioning to the new Broken Record in Lower Macungie Township.
- Dunkin’ Delights: A new Dunkin’ kiosk has opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.
- Unexpected End: Old Mecca Café in Easton, which opened in February 2025, has announced its closure due to unforeseen circumstances.
Retail Watch is your weekly source for Lehigh Valley retail and restaurant news. Got a tip or a question? Contact Graysen Golter at retailwatch@mcall.com.
