“Summer”, there is nothing that says it more than the line that forms outside of Ralph’s Ices on Port Richmond Avenue in Staten Island. Its founders create and sell over 100 flavors of the best ices in the world. This fine establishment is indigenous to Staten Island and Staten Islanders can’t get enough of it. Dozens of people line up outside the white brick building with the blue awning. They wait at least twenty minutes to get cups, pints or gallons of their favorite flavors. Ralph’s Italian Ices has been in that location (it’s original spot) since 1928. It is a refreshing and affordable treat. The average quantity one gets is a quart for $7.00. I was able to pull up some history on their world famous ices.
“Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices have been famous for 85 years. How they became famous is a story that’s been passed down through our family…
Our grandfather, Ralph Silvestro, came to the United States from Italy when he was a young man. In 1928, he began making what would turn out to be his famous Italian Ices and sold them throughout Staten Island. His treats became a summertime favorite and he opened his first retail location in 1949 on Port Richmond Ave.” [via]
One can find Ralph’s Ices in several locations nowadays. They expanded from their small brick and mortar to many other places along the East Coast. People call and order from other states to get a taste of this refreshing summer treat. Be sure to take a visit next time you’re in town!
Ralph’s Ices | 501 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302 [map] | (718) 273-3675 | website
See More Locations on Ralph’s Official Website, here
Like them on Facebook, here
See Mike Shane’s 360 degree photo sphere of Ralph’s, here
Kristin Pitanza is an adjunct lecturer at the College of Staten Island and Saint John’s University in which she teaches writing and education. Her dedication lies with her writing and her students. She facilitates a program through Saint John’s University titled $30,000 degrees in which she helps high school students achieve a four year college career path. She is a native Staten Islander and likes writing about her hometown. Kristin also takes a large interest in adolescent development and literacy while helping students develop writing skills through the scaffolding of grammar to written text. She has helped develop department wide curriculum for her writing courses at the college. She has a Masters Degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University.
