New business is cool family affair

PEG’S SNICKERDOODLES OFFERS AFFORDABLE ICE CREAM TREATS

THOMPSON — When Peg Gurl, of Dudley, Mass., first visited Thompson, she noticed a need in the town right away. 

“I’m [originally] from Hudson, Mass., [where] we have everything,” she said, noting that she was not used to traveling to get ice cream or going to the grocery store, because everything was right there.

When she visited Thompson, she found that there wasn’t really anyplace local to get good ice cream at a decent price, and thus, Peg’s Snickerdoodles was born.

Located in the old glass and screen room at Jim’s Hardware, Peg’s Snickerdoodles has been open for business since May 24, and its success has largely been based on word of mouth.

“It wasn’t really advertised,” said Gurl, who noted that this was because, at the time, she was still awaiting the go-ahead from the Department of Health and didn’t want to start advertising with a set start date, only to have to push it back. “I didn’t want to jinx it.”

Overall, business has been booming.

“It’s been good so far,” she said, before helping out a group of ice cream-seeking customers.

Gurl is not the only mastermind behind her business — she has the help of her 13-year-old niece Emma Northbridge, who will be working in the shop two days a week throughout the summer. A friend of Gurl’s will also be helping out.

Northbridge, a recent St. Joseph School graduate, said she helps make the ice creams or works the cash register, which she enjoys.

“I like it because I get to help with the ice cream,” she said with a smile. “I like ice cream.”

Northbridge said she even had a hand in naming the business.

“Peg is because of my aunt,” she said. “Snicker is because of my kitten [who roams the hardware store] and doodle is part of a nickname my grandfather gave me.”

Northbridge and her aunt became business partners after Northbridge’s father, who owns Jim’s Hardware, thought that it would be a great experience for his daughter. 

“[They did it to] teach me the value of money because it doesn’t grow on trees,” she said, adding that, technically, she believes it does because money is made of paper, which comes from trees.

Gurl agreed, noting that her niece spends a lot of time at the hardware store, and that this would be a good opportunity for her to learn that “you can’t just ask mom and dad for money all the time,” she said.

Patrons of Peg’s Snickerdoodles can cool down with a chocolate, vanilla or twisty cone starting at $1.25 for a small. Extra toppings (sprinkles, gummy bears, etc.) are an extra 25 cents. They also serve sundaes, banana boats, shakes and floats, said Gurl. Hot dogs, chips and sodas are available for a reasonable price.

“[It’s] nothing fancy,” said Gurl.

Patrons can enjoy their treats on the go or sit at the tables and chairs on the patio directly in front of the ice cream shop.

“[The] tables and chairs make it kind of an ice cream parlor feel,” she said.

The one thing Gurl said she would like everyone to know most about her shop is they can bring the whole family and not worry about dipping into their gas funds.

“We’re just hoping families will come,” she said, noting that she has had families of five and six stop by and walk away with ice cream treats for everyone for under $15. “[Families] can come and not break the bank.

” Peg’s Snickerdoodles is located in Jim’s Hardware, next to Turning Pointe Dance Academy, in North Grosvenordale.

Business hours are Sunday to Saturday 1 to 8 p.m.

Chenoa Pierce may be reached at (860) 928-1818, ext. 112, or by e-mail at chenoa@villagernewspapers.com.