Couple hopes new candy and ice cream shop becomes a ‘centerpiece’ of Downtown New Kensington

While other businesses had approached Mike Malcanas and Michelle Thom over the years to lease the space at 1001 Fifth Ave. in downtown New Kensington, the Olde Towne Overhaul crew held off for visions of an ice cream or candy store there one day.

Now, consider them lucky ducks.

Mark and Mandy Simon plan to open the Lucky Duck Candy Co. at the site by mid-May. The 1,000-square-foot space is currently under renovation.

Although the building won’t be ready, the Winfield couple plan to have a presence at the first Fridays on Fifth event April 25.

“This is something that New Kensington needs,” said Mark Simon, 50. “It’s something that’s fun, and everybody can enjoy a bag of candy or ice cream.”

The building, built in 1916, has held numerous retail businesses over the years. Most recently, it was a deli and pharmacy, Simon said. It has sat vacant for a few years.

“The building lends itself to an ice cream and candy store,” Simon said.

Thom notes Voodoo Brewing’s large outdoor seating area right across the street. “The dream was, you sit at Voodoo, see and smell the ice cream and candy, and come over,” Thom said.

Simon envisions his space to be similar to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, the small chain with locations in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Canonsburg, Mt. Lebanon and Beaver. He plans gummies, sour and freeze-dried candy.

The ice cream will come from the Penn State Creamery. Simon hopes to collaborate with next-door neighbor Sweet Tillies bakery and other local businesses.

Launching a business that is not already in New Kensington, and is also family-oriented, is rewarding, Simon said. Lucky Duck is a veteran-owned business.

Simon said he hopes the business becomes a “centerpiece” of the town.

Mandy Simon, 47, said she is excited to embed the business into New Kensington and be involved in the community. She enjoys hearing stories of what New Kensington used to be from lifelong residents.

“It is neat to hear stories of it coming back to life,” she said. “We’re excited to get it open.”

Mark Simon said it’s a privilege to have the business become part of the downtown New Kensington revitalization vision.

“It’s humbling to be a part of the comeback,” he said.