Groundhog stuck in claw machine at PA Custard shop turns into marketing opportunity

A groundhog stuck in a claw machine has created a unique marketing opportunity for a custard shop near Altoona.

The groundhog was found in the machine inside The Meadows Original Frozen Custard stand on July 30 in Hollidaysburg.

Co-owner Joel Meadows tells KDKA Radio the PA Game Commission came and safely removed the groundhog and released it back into the wild in a wooded area in Bellwood, PA.

Since then, the real groundhog has been replaced with a stuffed one and Meadows had a contest to give their new mascot a name.

A winner was decided on Monday with “Colonel Custard” coming out on top. The woman that pitched the name will get a $25 gift card.

Joel says they’re in talks to create a dessert inspired by their new groundhog mascot.

The 74-year-old Hollidaysburg location also offers miniature golf in addition to its famous frozen custard.

If a trip to Hollidaysburg is a little too far for you, The Meadows also has locations in Cranberry, Greensburg, Indiana, Johnstown, Latrobe and Monroeville.

In total, Meadows has 27 locations including stores in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and even Australia.