Downtown Lititz has always had its special places—those businesses that somehow become part of the community’s DNA. For the past fifteen years, Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor at 110 East Main Street has been exactly that kind of place. It’s where kids celebrate good report cards, where couples share first-date nerves over rocky road, and where three generations of families have made countless sweet memories.
But this March brought news that had locals reaching for tissues along with their ice cream scoops. Kim and Bob Reidenbaugh, the heart and soul behind Isabella’s, announced they’re hanging up their aprons after a decade and a half of serving the community. The Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition by Kate and Brad Zimmerman of 32 Below Ice Cream Shop means the end of one chapter—but thankfully, not the end of the story.
What makes this transition special isn’t just that the ice cream will keep flowing. It’s how two families who truly understand what it means to serve a community have come together to ensure that Isabella’s legacy lives on.
A Beloved Institution Changes Hands
You know a business has become something special when its potential closure makes people genuinely emotional. That’s exactly what happened when word first started spreading about the Reidenbaughs’ retirement plans. Isabella’s isn’t just another ice cream shop—it’s the place where Lititz celebrates, commiserates, and connects.
Think about it: how many businesses can claim they’ve been part of birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, Little League victories, and those “I just need ice cream” moments that we all have? Isabella’s has been there for all of it, serving up scoops with the kind of genuine warmth that you can’t fake.
When the Reidenbaughs started thinking about retirement, they could have simply put up a “For Sale” sign and called it a day. Instead, they took the time to find buyers who would honor what they’d built. Enter Kate and Brad Zimmerman, who already run the successful 32 Below Ice Cream Shop and happen to be Lititz natives themselves.
The timing couldn’t be better. With spring around the corner and ice cream season approaching, the Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition ensures that families won’t have to find a new place for their traditional post-dinner treats or celebration sundaes.
The Reidenbaugh Legacy: 15 Years of Sweet Memories
Kim and Bob Reidenbaugh never set out to become community pillars—they just wanted to run a good ice cream shop. But somewhere between learning customers’ favorite flavors and remembering to ask about kids’ soccer games, they became exactly that.
“My favorite thing was seeing everyone so happy to be there,” Kim shared recently, and you can hear the genuine affection in her voice. “People come for ice cream when they are celebrating or feeling sad. It always makes the day better!”
That philosophy—treating every customer like a neighbor, because in Lititz, they probably are—has defined Isabella’s from day one. Regular customers don’t just get their usual order; they get asked about their families, their jobs, their lives. It’s the kind of personal touch that big chains try to replicate but never quite manage.
After fifteen years of early mornings, late nights, and the controlled chaos of summer rushes, Kim and Bob are ready for their next adventure. They want to travel, spend time with grandchildren, and maybe—just maybe—enjoy someone else’s ice cream for a change.
But their real legacy isn’t measured in scoops served or profits earned. It’s in the relationships they’ve built and the standard they’ve set for what a community business should be.
Meet the New Owners: Kate and Brad Zimmerman’s Vision
If you’re going to trust someone with your life’s work, it helps when they’re not strangers. Kate and Brad Zimmerman grew up in Lititz, which means they understand what Isabella’s means to the community—because they’ve probably been customers themselves.
Since opening 32 Below Ice Cream Shop in 2022, the Zimmermans have proven they know how to run a successful ice cream business without losing the personal touch that matters so much in small communities. Their original location in the former Brickerville Ice Cream Shop has become a destination for ice cream lovers throughout Lancaster County.
Brad’s approach to business sounds a lot like the Reidenbaughs’ philosophy. He talks about creating positive work environments and giving young employees their first taste of the working world. “I think it’s especially important to provide jobs for the younger generation and offer them support as they dip their toes into the workforce,” he explains.
For the Zimmermans, the Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition isn’t just about expanding their business—it’s about investing in their hometown. “Kate and I are beyond excited to share that we are acquiring Isabella’s Ice Cream Shop,” Brad announced. “This iconic shop, which has been a staple in the community since 2010, will now be a second location of our 32 Below Ice Cream family.”
The Acquisition Story: How the Deal Unfolded
Good business transitions don’t happen by accident—they require planning, trust, and a shared vision for the future. The Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition story is a perfect example of how these deals should work.
When the Reidenbaughs started seriously considering retirement, they faced the same dilemma that confronts many small business owners: how do you ensure that something you’ve poured your heart into continues to thrive? Simply closing wasn’t an option—not when employees depended on their jobs and the community depended on their gathering place.
The Zimmermans emerged as the obvious choice. They had the ice cream experience, the local connections, and most importantly, the same commitment to customer service that had made Isabella’s special. As Kim put it, “Not only do they know the ice cream business already, but they feel customer service and great product is top priority.”
The timeline was carefully orchestrated to minimize disruption. The March announcement gave everyone time to process the news, while the “farewell opening” during the final weeks of March allowed longtime customers to share memories and say proper goodbyes. By April, 32 Below was ready to take over just as ice cream season was hitting its stride.
While the financial details remain private, it’s clear this was a win-win situation. The Reidenbaughs get to retire knowing their legacy is in good hands, while the Zimmermans gain a prime downtown location with fifteen years of goodwill already built in.
What’s Changing and What’s Staying the Same
Change can be scary, especially when it involves a beloved local institution. But the beauty of the Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition is how much will actually stay the same—with some welcome improvements thrown in.
The biggest upgrade? Indoor seating. While 32 Below’s original location only offers outdoor dining, the downtown spot provides year-round comfort. Anyone who’s tried to enjoy ice cream during a Lancaster County thunderstorm will appreciate this improvement.
The location itself brings advantages that the Zimmermans are excited to explore. Downtown foot traffic, easy parking, and the ability to catch people on spontaneous ice cream runs all add up to more opportunities to serve the community.
Quality-wise, customers shouldn’t notice any drop-off. The Zimmermans have built their reputation on premium ingredients and careful preparation—the same standards that Isabella’s customers have come to expect. If anything, having two locations might allow for more flavor experimentation and seasonal specialties.
The human element—arguably the most important part—should remain intact. While specific staffing details haven’t been announced, the Zimmermans’ track record suggests they understand the value of experienced employees who know the customers and the community.
Community Response: Bittersweet Farewells and Warm Welcomes
News of the Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition hit social media like a sugar rush—intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore. Facebook posts filled with photos from birthday parties, first dates, and family outings, all featuring Isabella’s ice cream cones and smiling faces.
The “farewell opening” during March turned into something between a celebration and a wake. Customers lined up not just for ice cream, but for the chance to thank Kim and Bob personally and share their favorite memories. It was the kind of community response that reminded everyone why local businesses matter so much.
What’s been particularly heartening is how quickly the community has embraced the Zimmermans. Being Lititz natives helps—people remember them from their younger days and trust that they understand what makes the town special.
Parents seem especially pleased with the transition. The prospect of indoor seating during unpredictable weather and potentially expanded hours addresses practical concerns while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that has made Isabella’s a go-to destination for celebrations and everyday treats.
Even other downtown business owners are optimistic. They recognize that successful ice cream shops drive foot traffic that benefits everyone. The Zimmermans’ proven ability to run a profitable business while staying connected to the community suggests that Isabella’s will continue to be an economic asset for downtown Lititz.
Looking Forward: The Future of Ice Cream in Lititz
The Isabella’s Ice Cream Parlor acquisition represents more than just a business changing hands—it’s a model for how community institutions can evolve while preserving what makes them special.
With two locations under the 32 Below brand, the Zimmermans gain operational flexibility that could benefit both shops. Different customer patterns, seasonal variations, and location-specific preferences create opportunities to serve the community even better.
From a broader perspective, this successful transition sends positive signals about Lititz’s business environment. When family-owned businesses can find local buyers who share their values, it suggests a healthy, sustainable local economy.
The Zimmermans’ approach—honoring established traditions while introducing thoughtful improvements—offers a blueprint that other communities might want to study. It proves that growth and preservation don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Looking ahead, the expanded operation might create new opportunities for community involvement. Larger businesses often have more capacity for sponsoring local events, supporting youth programs, or participating in downtown festivals.
Most importantly, the success of this acquisition will likely influence how other Lititz business owners think about retirement and succession planning. The Reidenbaughs have shown that it’s possible to step away from your life’s work while ensuring it continues to serve the community you love.
As spring arrives and ice cream season kicks into high gear, the real test begins. But early signs suggest that Isabella’s legacy is in excellent hands, ensuring that future generations of Lititz families will continue creating sweet memories in the heart of downtown—one scoop at a time.