Cool Business Gets Warm Welcome

John DiRenzo Sr. is excited his new neighbor will bring more business to downtown Pottstown.

DiRenzo, owner of Tri County Bicycles, said the restoration of 250 E. High Street is a sight for sore eyes.

The spot, which once housed a bar and has been empty for years, will be the new home of McLicky's -- an ice cream and water ice restaurant. 

"They have done an amazing job with the renovations," DiRenzo said. "I'm excited to see money being spent on a neighboring building that has been vacant since I have came to town in 2006. I wish them luck and hope they find as much success in downtown Pottstown . . . as I have."

Pottstown has tremendous potential to be a thriving business district, he said.

Cory Sullivan agrees.

Sullivan, a Pottstown resident, will manage McLicky's, which is set to open in a couple weeks.

The 1,000-square-foot shop will include indoor seating for 16 to 18 people, outdoor seating, serve ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, water ice and other goodies. 

"I'm hoping people will really like it," Sullivan said. "We want to make (customers) feel welcome and wanted."

The store will have a 1950's feel and modern service, Sullivan said.

McLicky's will network with other local businesses, be an active community partner and plans to sponsor local Little League sports, he said.

Sullivan said he's pleased McLicky's will add to the revitalization of Pottstown. He hopes other businesses will follow the ice cream shop and find a home downtown.

"There's still work to be done to bring this town back," he said. "But Pottstown has so many possibilities . . . I'm in this because I see potential in this town."