Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream in Oakland is closing

When Leigh-Anne Weiss saw a Facebook post announcing that Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream shop in Oakland is closing this week because owner Andy Hardie is retiring, she said she was left with a sense of sorrow.

“This is sad when you hear about such a great place closing,” said Weiss, of Plum. “My husband went to Pitt and loves Dave & Andy’s ice cream. We have taken the kids there. He recalls the smell of the homemade waffle cones when you walk past the shop. There are so many memories of Dave & Andy’s.”

The post Sunday on Dave & Andy’s Facebook page announced this coming Sunday as the final day, or earlier while supplies last. A sign on the window shop window also announced the closing.

“It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream. After 40 amazing years of serving Pittsburgh our ice cream, Andy has decided to retire. We would like to thank our friends, families, past and present employees and most of all our loyal, loving customers. You are what made 40 years possible. We will cherish all the wonderful memories and friendships that have been made over the years.”

The shop is closed on Mondays, and messages left for Hardie were not immediately returned.

The last day coincides with the University of Pittsburgh’s graduation.

Pitt juniors Bri Zysk of Philadelphia and Eva Calabrese of Vermont were studying for final exams in the ballroom inside the William Pitt Union on Monday.

“Everyone knows Dave & Andy’s,” said Calabrese. “There is no other ice cream place like Dave & Andy’s on campus.”

The shop, tucked along Atwood Street off Forbes Avenue, is known for more than 200 flavors such as ginger snap, brown butter, black raspberry chocolate chunk, Kit Kat fudge, Nutella and cannoli.

Calabrese and Zysk said they plan to go at least one more time. They said they hope Hardie enjoys his retirement but that it would be great to see someone else take over the business.

What is nice about Dave & Andy’s is it is open year-round, the students said.

“If you are having a bad day in January, ice cream would make that better,” Calabrese said. “Or if there is a 60 degree day in December, you want ice cream and Dave & Andy’s would be open.”

It seems like a lot of small businesses in Oakland are closing, Zysk said.

The Original Hot Dog Shop closed in 2020, and Fuel and Fuddle gastropub and Mad Mex both shuttered in 2023. All three were well-known Oakland establishments.

“I wonder what it will look like when we come back 20 years from now,” said Zysk, who expected long lines at Dave & Andy’s this week. “I would not be shocked if the line is really long all week. It is finals week and graduation, so there will be a lot of people on campus.”