HERMITAGE, Pa. - People living in Mercer County soon won't have to drive to Ohio to get a taste of chocolate pecan or any of the more than 48 other Handel's ice cream flavors.

A new Handel's franchise opens for business Wednesday next to the Kohl's department store at 550 South Hermitage Road in Hermitage.

The store is being operated by long time Valley residents, James Jakubovic and his son Marc.

It will be the only Handel's location in Mercer County. The Handel's closest to Hermitage is more than fifteen miles away in Liberty Township.

A news release from the company points out that Hermitage is also home to the Joy Cone Company, which is the exclusive supplier of cones for Handel's.

There are now 38 company owned and franchise Handel's shops in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, Virginia and California.