A popular South Tamaqua restaurant has shut down its kitchen.

Leiby’s Ice Cream House and Restaurant, however, will be open to serve ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, baked goods and a variety of grab-and-go items.

“There are many reasons involved in this unfortunate decision,” manager Daniel Leiby said. “Several things happening all at once is the main factor. So it’s mostly about timing more than anything.”

If things change, he said, the ovens and stoves will begin churning out meals again.

“We still have all of our equipment and it’s ready to go at the flip of a switch,” Leiby noted.

In addition to serving frozen treats, Leiby said the staff continues to make pies, cakes, ice cream cakes, baked goods and other items.

“And we are actively expanding the products that will be available,” he explained.

Those who have planned events at the 848 West Penn Pike (Route 309) restaurant won’t be impacted.

“We will still be serving those who have scheduled events with us, and we will be reaching out to them to make sure that they know that,” Leiby said. “We will also be putting information out in the future for those who would like to schedule events with us in the future. We are still able to prepare food for things like that, the issue right now is all the things required to offer it all day, every day.”

He stressed that the decision, which was made earlier this week, has nothing to do with health department inspections or code violations.

“All of our inspections are available to the public on the state’s website, which I think most people are unaware of unfortunately,” Leiby said. “I’m extremely proud of our performance and track record with inspections and adherence to the PA Food Code, and we are regularly told by folks that we have the cleanest kitchen they’ve ever been in.”

Leiby’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.