Bassetts Ice Cream

Today, Philadelphia-based Bassetts Ice Cream is sold as far away as China. But this global business offers a sweet taste of Philadelphia food history. Bassetts was one of the original merchants at the Reading Terminal Market when it opened in 1892, and it’s the only original business that remains today. In fact, Bassetts predates the RTM. This photo shows the ice-cream maker’s original scoop shop on the 500 block of Market Street. Back then, Bassetts offered eight frozen flavors; today the company makes more than 40 varieties.

“Summer is our season,” says Michael Strange, president of Bassetts. “Sales in July are double what they are in January.” To celebrate the season, Bassetts will host an ice-cream festival inside Reading Terminal Market on Saturday, July 29, from 10am to 4pm. “We’re inviting all the local ice-cream makers,” says Strange. There will be plenty of the cold stuff to sample, plus games, live music, and an ice-cream-eating contest. Admission is free. —JM

Bassetts Ice Cream
Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
45 N. 12th Street
215.925.4315