Turkey Hill, a name synonymous with delicious iced tea and creamy ice cream boasts a rich history rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the story behind this iconic brand from its humble beginnings as a family-run dairy farm to its current status as a national treasure.
A Legacy Born in the Great Depression:
During the Great Depression in 1931, Armor Frey, a clever farmer, started selling bottled milk to his neighbors from his reliable sedan. This was the beginning of Turkey Hill Dairy, which got its name from the inscription “Turkeyhill” found on the sheepskin deed pertaining to the Frey family farm. The name itself honors the wild turkeys that formerly inhabited the region.
From Milk to Ice Cream and Beyond:
The Frey family’s entrepreneurial spirit led them to expand beyond milk production. In 1954, they ventured into the world of ice cream, quickly gaining popularity within Lancaster County. By 1981, Turkey Hill ice cream had found its way to independent stores in Philadelphia, marking the start of its journey to regional and national prominence.
A New Chapter with Kroger:
The well-known grocery chain Kroger purchased Turkey Hill Dairy in 1985, along with its famous gas station convenience stores. The Frey family continued to play a significant role in the business’s operations even after ownership changed, guaranteeing the company’s legacy would live on.
Sustainable Practices and Community Involvement:
Turkey Hill is committed to sustainable practices and actively engages with the community. They teamed up with PPL Renewable Energy and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority in 2011 to meet a large amount of their energy needs by using wind turbines to generate electricity.
A Diverse Product Portfolio:
Today, Turkey Hill offers a wide array of products, including:
- Ice Cream: With over 60 flavors, including limited-edition offerings, Turkey Hill caters to every ice cream lover’s taste.
- Iced Tea: Turkey Hill’s iced tea lineup boasts over 20 flavors, ranging from traditional to seasonal varieties.
- Other Beverages: Fruit drinks, milk, and seasonal offerings like eggnog round out Turkey Hill’s beverage portfolio.
Partnerships and Sponsorships:
Turkey Hill has collaborated with renowned brands like Snyder’s of Hanover, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, and Tootsie Roll Industries, creating unique ice cream flavors inspired by their products. Additionally, they have partnered with various sports teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Eagles, even developing official team ice cream flavors.
The Turkey Hill Experience:
In 2011, Turkey Hill opened “The Turkey Hill Experience,” a 17,000-square-foot attraction in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This interactive space delves into the company’s history while showcasing its ice cream and iced tea production processes. Visitors can even create their own virtual ice cream flavor through an engaging green-screen experience.
A Legacy of Quality and Innovation:
From its humble beginnings as a family-run dairy farm, Turkey Hill has evolved into a beloved American brand, synonymous with quality and innovation. Their commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and a diverse product portfolio has secured their place in the hearts of consumers across the nation.
So, the next time you enjoy a refreshing glass of Turkey Hill iced tea or savor a scoop of their delectable ice cream, remember the rich history and dedication that lie behind this iconic brand.
Not so long ago…
In 1980, the Frey brothers increased the dairy’s ice cream output, which was a major turning point in the dairy’s history. Turkey Hill Ice Cream quickly became a favorite in local Lancaster County stores.
In 1981, they persuaded a few independent stores in the Philadelphia area to give “Turkey Who?” a try. Philadelphians loved it. The ice cream was always good, but priced so everyone could enjoy it. Light ice cream soon followed. Then frozen yogurt.
Little by little, this tiny dairy became a favorite in some of the countrys biggest markets.
A long time ago…
More than 85 years ago, in the southernmost region of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Armor Frey started his days by climbing Turkey Hill to see the sunrise. After that, he would pack a few bottles of milk into his touring sedan and drive over to his neighbors to sell them. It was the Great Depression, and every penny helped.
Slowly, Armors route grew. Until one day his “extra milk” business became his only business.
In 1947, Glenn, Emerson, and Charles Frey bought their fathers business. All the dairys customers still lived within a few miles. Milking the cows and running home delivery routes provided enough of a living for the young men to raise their families. Over the years, the little dairy thrived on their hard work.
Create your own ice cream at the Turkey Hill Experience | Family First
Who owns Turkey Hill?
The company is operated independently from Turkey Hill Minit Markets, a chain of more than 260 gas station convenience stores that carry Turkey Hill products in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.
Who owns Turkey Hill ice cream?
Turkey Hill is the eighth food-and-beverage company in Peak Rock’s portfolio. The dairy was founded by dairy farmer Armor Frey in 1931. The dairy diversified into convenience stores in 1967 and into ice cream in 1980. Kroger acquired both the dairy and the Minit Markets in 1985.
Who owns Turkey Hill Dairy?
In this 2015 photo, Turkey Hill Dairy President John Cox displays some of the products that the company produces at its plant off River Road in Manor Township. A private equity firm that specializes in acquiring food and beverage companies has completed its purchase of Turkey Hill Dairy for $215 million.
Where are Turkey Hill Minit markets located?
Map of Turkey Hill Minit Market locations. Turkey Hill Minit Markets is an American chain of convenience stores founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1966. As of October 2017, Turkey Hill Minit Markets had over 260 locations across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.