Bassetts Ice Cream
| Type | Ice cream |
|---|---|
| Address | Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Center City |
| Phone | (215) 925-4315 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1861 |
| Founder | Lewis Dubois Bassett |
| Owner | Bassett family |
| Hours | Reading Terminal Market hours |
| Products | Ice cream |
| Status | Active |
Bassetts Ice Cream is America's oldest ice cream company, founded in 1861 by Lewis Dubois Bassett in Philadelphia. The company has operated at Reading Terminal Market since the market opened in 1893, making it one of the market's original vendors. Known for its rich, creamy texture and traditional flavors, Bassetts represents over 160 years of Philadelphia ice cream tradition and remains a must-visit destination within the market.[1]
History
Founding (1861)
Lewis Dubois Bassett founded the company in 1861:
Origins:
- Philadelphia schoolteacher
- Began making ice cream as a side business
- Used a hand-crank freezer
- Sold from a pushcart
The Civil War was beginning as Bassett started his business.
Early Growth
Bassetts built its reputation through quality:
1860s-1890s:
- Expanded production
- Sold to hotels and restaurants
- Built loyal customer base
- Philadelphia institution
Reading Terminal Market (1893)
When Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893, Bassetts was an original vendor:
The partnership:
- Prime location in the market
- Same spot for over 130 years
- Continuous operation
- Central to market identity
Bassetts and Reading Terminal Market have grown together.
Multi-Generational Business
The Bassett family has operated the company for six generations:
Family succession:
- Lewis Dubois Bassett: Founder
- Five subsequent generations
- Over 160 years of family ownership
- Current family members active in business
America's Oldest
Bassetts claims the title of America's oldest ice cream company:
- Founded 1861
- Continuous operation
- Family-owned throughout
- Never sold outside family
The Ice Cream
Philosophy
Bassetts' approach:
- Rich, creamy texture: High butterfat content
- Traditional recipes: Time-tested formulas
- Quality ingredients: No artificial shortcuts
- Consistent quality: Same taste for generations
Flavors
Classic flavors:
- Vanilla: The foundation
- Chocolate: Rich and deep
- Vanilla Chocolate Chip
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Coffee
- Strawberry
Rotating specialty flavors:
- Seasonal selections
- Limited editions
- Creative combinations
- Traditional varieties
The Texture
What makes it special:
- Dense, rich consistency
- High butterfat (typically 16%+)
- Slow-churned quality
- Smooth, not icy
The texture distinguishes Bassetts from industrial ice cream.
The Reading Terminal Location
The Stand
Bassetts occupies the same location in Reading Terminal Market:
Features:
- Counter service
- Flavor display
- Quick service
- Lines common
Part of the Market
Integration:
- Original vendor (1893)
- Market landmark
- Essential market stop
- Tourist and local favorite
Hours
Operates during market hours:
- Generally 8 AM - 6 PM
- Daily
- Closed major holidays (market closures)
The Experience
Ordering
The process: 1. Choose your flavor(s) 2. Select cup or cone 3. Watch the scooping 4. Pay and enjoy 5. Find a spot in the market to eat
Sizes
Options:
- Small cup/cone
- Large cup/cone
- Sundaes
- Special preparations
Eating at the Market
Where to eat:
- Standing near the stand
- Market seating areas
- The market floor
- Wandering the market
Ice cream pairs well with market exploration.
Cultural Significance
Philadelphia Institution
Bassetts represents:
- Philadelphia's long history
- Family business tradition
- Quality commitment
- Continuous heritage
America's Oldest
The "oldest ice cream company" distinction:
- Documented history
- Continuous operation
- Verified claims
- National recognition
Reading Terminal Heritage
Bassetts is essential to Reading Terminal Market:
- Original tenant
- Unchanged location
- Market identity
- Generational presence
Production
Traditional Methods
Approach:
- Philadelphia-based production
- Traditional recipes
- Quality ingredients
- Careful processing
Distribution
Beyond the market:
- Local retailers
- Philadelphia restaurants
- Regional grocery
- Online ordering (limited)
National Recognition
Media Coverage
Bassetts has been featured in:
- Food Network*** programs
- Travel Channel***
- Food magazines
- National newspapers
Best Ice Cream Lists
Regularly included in:
- Philadelphia best-of lists
- National ice cream rankings
- Travel recommendations
- Food critic favorites
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:
- Try vanilla first*** - the benchmark
- Get a small*** if you're sampling
- ***Ask about seasonal flavors***
- ***Don't skip this*** at Reading Terminal
What to expect:
- Lines at peak times
- Counter service
- Quick transactions
- Excellent ice cream
Pairing with market visit:
- Visit Bassetts as dessert
- Try after Beiler's doughnuts
- Before or after DiNic's
- Any time works
See Also
References
- ↑ "Bassetts Ice Cream". Bassetts. Retrieved December 31, 2025