Published: July 21, 2008 10:12 pm      

Windber ice cream stand has youthful flavor

WINDBER — With five teen-agers in the house, Kim and Paul Beahr of Paint Township know it’s important to provide healthy outlets for active youngsters.

The couple’s new business, The Rambler, brings another venue for Windber youths – and it keeps the Beahr family’s youths especially busy.

“We wanted something they could work at,” Kim Beahr said at the 1203 Jefferson St. ice cream business.

“They are all working down here.”

Located just off the 12th Street exit of Route 56, the business features a full line of soft-serve ice cream treats and soft drinks.

There is indoor seating, patio seating, a walk-up window and drive-through.

Nobody in the family had experience running a restaurant, Kim Beahr said, though her husband sells used mining equipment through his business, Shade Enterprises.

“It seemed like something that would be fun,” she said. “Our main goal is to have a place for kids and support the school and the functions.”

Besides food, customers can buy a few Windber High School Rambler items.

Looking at the number of their children’s classmates who have diabetes, the Beahrs included a full selection of sugar-free ice cream treats at The Rambler.

Although there is no ownership connection, The Rambler was inspired, in part, by The Ranger ice cream stand at 490 Locust St., Sidman, said Kim Beahr. She is a St. Michael native.

When the couple contacted The Ranger for advice, they found that one of the owners, Rick Jock, was a classmate of Paul Beahr’s.

“He was very helpful,” Kim Beahr said.