A Match Made in Pennsylvania: The Story Behind Our Local Ice Cream Pies

At Hickory Bridge Farm, our commitment to providing a truly authentic farm-to-table dining experience is at the heart of everything we do. When you step into our 160-year-old barn restaurant, you are entering a space steeped in American history and tradition. Since 1977, the Martin family has been dedicated to serving meals made with local ingredients, ensuring that every guest experiences the best flavors our region has to offer. One of the most beloved highlights of our family-style meals is our popular ice cream pies, and we are proud to share that the secret to their success lies in our partnership with a local legend: Kreider Farms.

A Heritage of Excellence: The Kreider Farms History
To understand why we chose Kreider Farms as our ice cream source, one must look at their incredible history, which mirrors our own dedication to heritage. In the spring of 1935, Noah W. Kreider and his wife, Mary R. Hershey, relocated with their two young sons, Richard and Noah Jr., from Bird-In-Hand to Mary’s family homestead on Doe Run Road. The farm had deep roots in the Hershey lineage, remaining in the family since its original settlement in 1739. Mary’s father, John B. Hershey—a cousin of chocolate magnate Milton Hershey—sold the property to Noah and Mary as his health declined.

Starting modestly, the young family managed 102 acres, cared for a dozen dairy cows, and tended 200 chickens. In those early days, they supplemented their income by growing vegetables in their garden and traveling to Manheim to sell produce door to door.

As their sons matured and married, the family acquired neighboring farms, laying the groundwork for what would become Kreider Farms. Ongoing expansion in dairy operations prompted a pivotal move in 1972: the construction of a processing plant and retail store. This allowed the company to process and bottle its own milk, produce ice cream, and sell directly to customers. Meanwhile, egg production accelerated significantly, and Kreider Farms eventually grew into the largest egg producer in the state of Pennsylvania.

Today, under the third-generation leadership of Ron Kreider, the Kreider family oversees a dynamic agricultural enterprise supported by approximately 475 employees. The operation spans nearly 3,000 acres and serves both retail and wholesale markets with farm-fresh milk, ice cream, eggs, and a range of other products.

From the beginning, Noah and Mary built their business on a foundation of superior quality, tireless work ethic, and the courage to pursue new opportunities—all guided by strong moral and ethical principles. Those same values and mission-driven commitments continue to shape the direction of Kreider Farms as it looks toward future growth and innovation.

From Their Farm to Your Table
The philosophy at Kreider Farms aligns perfectly with the culinary heritage experience we strive for at Hickory Bridge Farm. They believe in a the farm fresh approach. For those who want to see the magic behind the scenes, Kreider Farms even offers 90-minute dairy farm tours, allowing visitors to discover how their farm-fresh milk, eggs, and ice cream make the journey from the farm to the table every single day.
This level of transparency and dedication to the craft is why their products are often described as "udderly delicious". By using ice cream that is produced right here in Pennsylvania by a family-owned operation with deep historical roots, we ensure that our ice cream pies maintain the high standard our guests have come to expect since we first opened our doors.
 
Shared Values: Sustainability and Tradition
Hickory Bridge Farm and Kreider Farms share more than just a local region; we share a set of core values. Our restaurant is located in a barn originally constructed in the 1840s, standing as a living monument to the region's agricultural roots. Similarly, Kreider Farms is deeply invested in the future of Pennsylvania agriculture through sustainability and regenerative farming practices. Their dedication to community involvement and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities ensures that they are not just resting on their 275-year history, but are actively working to improve the quality of local food for generations to come. When you enjoy a slice of ice cream pie at Hickory Bridge Farm, you are supporting this cycle of local sustainability and tradition.
 
The Perfect Ending to a Family-Style Meal
Dining at Hickory Bridge Farm is meant to be a journey through centuries of culinary heritage. From the moment you are greeted by our warm, rustic atmosphere—adorned with hundreds of genuine farm antiques—to the final course, we want every detail to be perfect. Our family-style service encourages guests to share abundant platters of house salad, corn fritters, and fresh vegetables. But no meal is complete without a signature dessert. By sourcing our ice cream locally from Kreider Farms, we bring a taste of Lancaster County excellence to our Orrtanna retreat. It is the quality you can taste—a result of centuries of dedication.
  
Visit Us and Taste the Difference
Whether you are staying in our 1750 farmhouse bed and breakfast or joining us for a hearty dinner, we invite you to experience the local flavors that make our farm so special. Our ice cream pies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of Pennsylvania’s farming history and our commitment to using the very best local ingredients.

Reserve your table today by calling 717-642-5261 and join us for a meal that honors the past while serving up something truly delicious for the present. We look forward to spoiling you with our hospitality and a slice of our famous local ice cream pie!

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