It’s the hottest week of the year and Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor isn’t serving up cones, sundaes or milkshakes.
The shop in Pittsburgh’s Strip District isn’t even open.
A note on the door dated Feb. 8, 2024, reads: “Hey Yinzers, Klavon’s is going to be closed for a couple of weeks. We are working on a lot of new stuff for the summer! C Yinz Soon. Thanks.”
The first day of summer was Thursday.
“Everything is in limbo right now,” said Jacob Hanchar, who owns the building with his wife, Desiree Hanchar. “From my perspective, I do not expect management to be able to open this summer and it appears the shop most likely won’t reopen until 2025.”
The Hanchars have been in the process of transitioning the business to another couple, Jacob Hanchar told TribLive. That is taking longer than expected, he said, adding that it takes time when someone new takes over.
He said the closure is temporary.
He added that he has been focusing his attention on Pittsburgh-based Digital Dream Labs, a technology robotics company he owns.
He realizes not being open this summer can be detrimental to the Klavon’s brand. From past experience, he said 70% of revenue at Klavon’s is made between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Jacob and Desiree Hanchar purchased Klavon’s in June 2013 after Ray Klavon, the grandson of the original owners, died. They put it up for sale in 2022 for $2.1 million.
They told TribLive last year they changed their minds on the sale after finding out that potential buyers had different visions for the place, some of which included making a total change.
They decided they want to preserve the character of the original establishment and its founders.
James and Mary Klavon opened Klavon’s in 1923 as a neighborhood apothecary and ice cream shop, closing it in 1979.
After the space sat empty for 20 years, Ray Klavon and his siblings decided to bring back the tradition in 1999.
“Current management is having challenges transitioning to the new ownership,” Jacob Hanchar said. “I believe they will bring new energy to Klavon’s. It’s not closed for good. Plans are to reopen.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.