Editing Bassetts Ice Cream

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Bassetts Ice Cream
| image =
| image_caption = Bassetts Ice Cream at Reading Terminal Market
| type = Ice cream
| address = Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9534,-75.1592
| phone = (215) 925-4315
| website = https://www.bassettsicecream.com
| established = 1861
| founder = Lewis Dubois Bassett
| owner = Bassett family
| employees =
| 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.<ref name="bassetts-official">{{cite web |url=https://www.bassettsicecream.com |title=Bassetts Ice Cream |publisher=Bassetts |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== 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 ==
* [[Reading Terminal Market]]
* [[Center City]]
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.bassettsicecream.com Bassetts Ice Cream Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Bassetts Ice Cream - America's Oldest Ice Cream Company Since 1861
|description=Bassetts Ice Cream, America's oldest ice cream company, founded in Philadelphia in 1861. Located at Reading Terminal Market since 1893, serving rich, traditional ice cream.
|keywords=Bassetts Ice Cream, oldest ice cream America, Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia ice cream, Center City
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Ice Cream]]
[[Category:Reading Terminal Market]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Historic Philadelphia]]