Name: Rick Pongracz
Title: Owner
What inspired you to open Batch Microcreamery?
I have always had a passion for ice cream. I wanted to bring quality super-premium ice cream to Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. Ice cream is in my blood. I have a great uncle who patented an ice cream scoop. (True story, I actually have the original molds and documentation.)
What makes your ice cream shop different from others in the Lehigh Valley?
All the ice cream we make is handcrafted onsite. We do not buy products and resell them. We put a lot of skill and knowledge into our products, so we can make the best products around. We are not your typical “bubblegum” ice cream shop. At Batch, we want to make the ice cream shop “cool/hip” again. We want to be edgy and provide a feeling of enjoyment while you are at Batch. We want you to bring your family and enjoy our ice cream and at the same time bring your date and enjoy our signature Hard Shakes.
Why did you want to open your ice cream shop in Downtown Allentown?
Easy! I was born and raised in Allentown. I grew up on the South Side of Allentown. I come from a long history of family members who were born and raised on the South Side and still live in Allentown. It only made sense to give my community great ice cream. I am proud to be in Allentown, and I am proud to be a part of the exciting things happening in Allentown.
What’s your favorite part of being in the Downtown Allentown Market?
It would have to be the relationships I get to build with the other businesses in the Market who have the same drive as I do. Everyone in the Market works very hard at their craft, which makes it fun for all.
What’s your signature ice cream flavor?
We have many favorites. A lot of our ice cream flavors change regularly. Many customers love our Cold Brew.
Do you serve alcoholic beverages?
Yes! We even make ice cream out of alcohol. We make beer floats, and we also have our signature Batch Hard Shakes.
Do you offer any specials during the week?
We do! We try to hit a special Monday-Friday that we post on our Instagram page, which you can follow at @BatchMicrocreamery.
Will you be adding any new menu items in this year?
We add new flavors when the season changes and holidays come and go. We also add new flavor items every week.
Do you have any special events happening in March?
Yes! We have our Beer Collaboration with Saucony Creek on March 5th and we have our Celebrity Meet-and-Greet with Booze Traveler Jack Maxwell on March 10th.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not creating new ice cream flavors?
I love to spend time with my son. He makes it all fun!
Watch Rick’s Instagram takeover now!