Business Spotlight

Featured Business
Dreams Ice Cream

Lamar Smith founded Dreams Ice Cream in Glenside over six years ago. The dainty, baby blue shop offers many frozen treats with a variety of flavors and toppings to mix and match. There are many different flavors with vegan and sugar free options for everyone in the area to enjoy.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Smith, a former health inspector decided he wanted to follow his dream and own an ice cream shop. He befriended the former owner of the ice cream shop in Glenside and after a few years was able to purchase the building from him. “The reason why I named it Dreams is because it was a dream of mine to have that type of business,” says Smith. He has always been a people person and loves putting a smile on every customer's face. His goal is to make everyone feel at home every time they walk into his shop. Additionally, Smith has employed many of Glenside’s youth to help set them up for success with other work opportunities. Smith adds, “I always say to those who work for me, with me, those who come in the door, what’s your dream?” He thinks it is very important to talk about your dreams because life can get in the way and he would do anything to help someone's dream come true.

When asked about Glenside, Smith openly talks about how much he loves it. “It’s a wonderful community. That completes the full experience,” says Smith. He has always loved the Glenside community, from the elderly to the children. Smith has felt so much support from the Glenside community and is thankful to be a part of it. Dreams has been involved in the community, from catering birthday parties and weddings to holding fundraisers for the Cheltenham soccer team. 

Aside from the ice cream, Dreams offers hot dishes such as wings, hot dogs, grilled cheese, sausage and more. In the coming months, Dreams plans to roll out its new vegan menu featuring impossible burgers and vegan sausages. Smith thinks it is important to have options available for everyone to enjoy regardless of their diet. In addition to the new vegan menu, Dreams will offer flavored cones in the springtime. Featured flavors include a red velvet cone and a birthday cake cone.

Neighborhood Eats

Featured Restaurant
Glenside Pub

As a small business, they know a thing or two about the importance of customer relationships and building strong community connections. It’s a great place to go with your friends and family whether you need to settle down after the hustle and bustle of the week or want to embrace the Glenside scene. If you haven’t already been, consider making Glenside Pub your dinner or late night home away from home between 4 pm to 2 am any day of the week except for Sunday.

Arcadia Student

Featured Glenside Resident
Sabrina Barrile 

Sabrina Barrile is a freshman at Arcadia University. Hailing from South Jersey, she has become a part of the Glenside community. She is majoring in Computer Science and will be in the Class of ‘25. In the Glenside area, there are a few businesses that she has come to enjoy. First, she shouted out Humpty’s Dumplings as a delicious and budget-friendly place to get dumplings.  She also  highlighted the Classic Game Junkie store, where she enjoyed the gaming selection, and said, “The nostalgia rush you get when walking in there is very real!” If you are a gamer, you want to check it out. 

Community Feature: Glenside Fire Company

Meet A DGF Board Member
 

Jerry Clarke is a practicing attorney in downtown Glenside and the father of three great kids.  Within the same location, Jerry has a tax practice. He has been working on Easton Road since 2011 and has adopted Glenside as his home. 

Jerry expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board of the Downtown Glenside Foundation after having been an advisor for the last several years.  Recently, Jerry was appointed as treasurer.  His goal is to make sure that the wonderful activities that DGF uses to promote and entertain citizens and businesses are properly budgeted and accounted for. Currently, DGF is planning an additional event this summer – the first annual downtown Glenside music festival.

 Jerry loves music and has played in the Stinks, a local cover band that is popular here in Glenside, since 2015. The group has a blast making music together and looks forward to doing it for many years to come.  Also, Jerry owns a music venue, The Royal, in downtown Glenside.  They have had board meetings for the DGF at the venue and look forward to continued interaction between DGF and The Royal.

Jerry lives with his best friend who lives rent-free, his furry four-legged Shi-tzu “Doc.” Jerry feels lucky to have Doc come to work with him every day, and he has become a bit of a staple in the office over the years.  

When asked why Jerry wanted to join the DGF, he expressed that “When Maureen Haff, my business neighbor on Easton Road and the President of the DGF (my office is right next to her beautiful shop, Sweet Magnolia) asked me to join, I didn’t hesitate.  Like the rest of the board members, we dream of a downtown Glenside area that is busy and vibrant and a destination for not only our residents but prospective businesses and individuals from outside our area.  I want to do all that I can do to make this happen!”

      

Are you interested in volunteering for DGF? The Foundation is always looking for new volunteers and to recruit members who bring diverse, broad thoughts and experience. It is an excellent opportunity for business or relationship building. Any volunteer inquiries may be made via the website, Facebook DM, or email us at contact@downtownglenside.com

Wrap-Up of Fall/Winter Events & Looking Ahead to the Spring

Blast from the Past