If you’re staying at Hollinger House, your Lancaster experience isn’t complete without a visit to Nikki’s Custard. Located just a short drive away at 1831 Oregon Pike, Nikki’s Custard isn’t your average ice cream shop—it’s a local gem steeped in family tradition, creativity, and genuine passion. Founded by Nicole Dannehl (lovingly called Nikki by her dad), Nikki’s Custard was inspired by Nicole’s childhood memories of summers spent biking to Midwest ice cream parlors. Today, she brings the rich Midwest custard culture to Lancaster, blending nostalgia with a vibrant, modern twist.
Every scoop at Nikki’s Custard tells a story of connection. Their menu features signature frozen custard, rich milkshakes, inventive custard-infused coffees, decadent cookie sandwiches, and delightful non-dairy and sorbet options. Everything is crafted with care, sourced locally, and designed to create joy-filled moments for everyone.
Beyond delicious desserts, Nikki’s Custard stands out for its community-centric approach. A vibrant mural by local artist George Schars adorns the building, highlighting Lancaster’s native plants—strawberries, sunflowers, and violets—in a retro-modern aesthetic. This unique artwork encapsulates Nikki’s commitment to celebrating local talent and community pride.
Nicole’s path to launching Nikki’s Custard is as inspiring as her custard is tasty. Her diverse background spans healthcare and educational development to kitchen and bath design. It was the reflective pause during the pandemic that led Nicole to turn her dream into reality, supported wholeheartedly by her husband and daughters.
Since opening in September 2023, Nikki’s Custard has become beloved for more than just desserts. Nicole emphasizes fair wages, rejects tipping, and is dedicated to equipping young employees with confidence and essential skills, impacting their lives positively beyond their time at the custard shop.
Nicole dreams big, envisioning ways to further support her employees, including initiatives like providing health insurance. She also plans to leverage Nikki’s Custard as a catalyst for broader community support through a non-profit endeavor focused on local well-being.
Whether you’re local to Lancaster or exploring the area, stopping by Nikki’s Custard offers more than just a sweet treat—it’s a chance to participate in a delicious community story filled with joy, nostalgia, and meaningful connections. Don’t miss out on becoming part of this delightful Lancaster tradition!
Passenger Coffee & Tea has spent over a decade perfecting the art of sourcing and sharing some of the world’s finest coffees and teas.
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