America's Oldest Ice Cream Brand Only Has One Store Location - In A City That Makes So Much Sense - Tasting Table

"From rolled ice cream to fried ice cream, there's no shortage of modern, inventive ways to enjoy the world-famous cold treat, but sometimes, a simple scoop of plain ol' vanilla does the trick. Even better? A scoop at America's oldest ice cream brand, Bassetts, where you can get a true old-fashioned ice cream experience. Bassetts has been making Philadelphia-style ice cream since 1861, but it has operated out of its singular, iconic location in Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia since 1892."

"When Lewis Dubois Bassett founded Bassetts, he relied on the power of a mule to churn ice cream, and he sold his delicacy from a horse-drawn carriage. In 1885, he opened his own storefront at 5th and Market streets in Philadelphia, but seven years later, he signed on to be one of the Reading Terminal Market's very first merchants. Since then, the multi-generational, family-run business has remained dedicated to its roots, keeping the Bassett brand in the same spot ever since."

Bassetts began in 1861 and has operated from Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia since 1892, remaining the market's last original merchant. The business grew from mule-powered churning and horse-drawn carriage sales to a multi-generational, family-run storefront. Bassetts makes Philadelphia-style ice cream, which omits an egg-based custard and uses cream, sugar, and flavorings, sourcing fresh local dairy from Pennsylvania farmers. The brand emphasizes old-fashioned ice cream experiences while maintaining dedication to quality and tradition across more than 160 years of continuous operation.

Read at Tasting Table