But first, their 1954 International Harvester Step Van will need some major repairs and the family is calling on the community to help through a GoFundMe campaign. “If you grew up in Saratoga Springs, chances are you have fond memories of chasing after that familiar sound of the ‘bell,’ eagerly anticipating your favorite Italian Ice flavor,” the family wrote in the campaign. Grasso’s Italian Ice truck has been a summer fixture in Spa City on and off for years.
The business goes back to 1929, when Ralph W. Grasso Sr., an Italian immigrant, started selling Italian ice via a pull wagon to supplement his income.
In 1936, he transitioned to selling it full time and, in 1938, he bought his first ice cream truck. The white Harvester truck was purchased brand new in the 1950s. The Italian ice is made fresh in a small shop in Saratoga Springs, though it's only sold out of the truck.
The two anchoring flavors have been lemon and cherry, and while the family has added others, those two have remained the most popular. The business eventually passed down to Ralph Grasso Jr., who celebrated his 90th birthday last year.
Since 2009, it’s been run by third generation owners, Ralph Grasso III and his daughter Sophia Grasso. The latter has heard many stories from Saratogians who remember ringing the bell for Mr. Grasso.
Photo provided. Sophia Grasso in her family's Italian ice truck selling at the Saratoga Race Course. “Almost every customer I served had a story,” Sophia said.
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