Warm Waffles and Wholesome Hearts

Louis Zanias started a family legacy with the introduction of Nina’s Waffles. Named after his daughter Nina, this legacy expanded to several different locations in Pennsylvania- each run by a different member of the family. Nina’s first started off as a shop selling just Liege waffles without ice cream inside the Stockton Market in early 2011. When Nina’s began to sell ice cream, it started off as ice cream being bought from OWowCow. Nina’s later was able to expand its ice cream business by making homemade ice cream within their creamery in Warrington. The number of flavors has increased as well, with over 130 flavors being made. Something that makes Nina’s stand out is its family values, making each customer feel as though they are part of the family themselves. Even with the expansion of shops, the core belief of family has remained consistent.

This family-owned chain has recently opened a new location at The Station in Dublin, Pennsylvania. The Station was built in the 1920s but in 2018 it was purchased by the Dublin Town Center and renovated. The Station is now a shopping center that houses Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., Itri Wood Fire Pizza, Juicy’s Burritos, and Goldie’s Grill. Within the Dublin location, the idea of family continues to grow. Alexa Darragh, a senior at Pennridge who works at the Dublin Nina’s, began working because of the location opening near her house. Soon Nina’s became a fun-filled place that barely felt like work. “The environment at Nina’s is inclusive and everyone gets along. We are all very close which leads to fun shifts. Five-hour shifts feel like one. The atmosphere is positive and our boss and manager are super nice”, says Darragh. This feedback has remained consistent with Chloe Maialetti, a senior at Pennridge who also works at the Dublin Nina’s, who says “The work environment is super upbeat and positive! All of the people are super nice!”

Along with the staff, the members of the community have shown their love for Nina’s as well. “So far the response to Dublin Nina’s has been very positive and supportive. I hope more people come when the weather gets nicer and more people can find out we have a new location!”, says Darragh. The wide variety of changing flavors is something that members of the community find intriguing about Nina’s. “We have unique flavors like Triple Pretzel Chocolate Punch, which is a dark chocolate ice cream with pretzels and homemade brownies, and Mad Crack which is a Madagascar vanilla ice cream with chocolate-covered saltine brittle. Nina’s also has our own signature Belgian Liege waffles that have pearl sugar inside of them, which gives them their caramelized look and taste”, says Maialetti.

Waffles and ice cream are not the only items being sold, Nina’s offers savory treats such as “chicken and waffles or pigs in a blanket”, says Darragh. Beverages are offered as well with cappuccinos and lattes being popular options. This family legacy continues to grow and surprise the world with the multitude of menu options available and the warmth of family included in each treat.

Sources:
https://station23pa.com/about
https://www.communitynews.org/business/nina-s-waffles-and-ice-cream-to-open-on-nassau-street/article_7e8be026-9f3b-5525-a5de-0b56ac3bd08c.html
https://ninaswaffles.com/