Father-Daughter Team Offers A Taste of Summer By The Scoop

Fruitastic-O fans, the wait is officially over! Fruitastic-O will kick-off its second season Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 24th at 5pm. Fruitastic-O, The Best Italian Ice Ever, is located in Mount Greenwood Park next to the Kids Splash Pad off of 111th Street.

”Shortly after the Fruitastic-O trailer was back in Mt. Greenwood Park our Facebook page started to light-up with our followers inquiring when would Fruitastic-O reopen,” began Kelly Small, Fruitastic-O manager and daughter of owner Mike Small. “Now that opening date is set, the anticipated Fruitastic-O reopening will soon be a reality. With new flavors like Banana Cream, Red Raspberry Italian Ice, and Pineapple Cream this summer looks to be even more refreshingly delicious than our first season. This year our season will begin Memorial Day weekend and conclude the end of September.”

What sets Fruitastic-O’s summertime treats a scoop or two above the others? It is Fruitastic-O’s commitment to wholesome, all natural ingredients and the delicious fresh fruit of course! Fruitastic-O’s Italian Ice and Cream Ice are made by hand in small batches daily. They use only natural ingredients – filtered water, real sugar, real cream, and tons of fruit. On average, Fruitastic-O uses approximately two pounds of fruit for every gallon of their frozen treats.

“It did not take long for our patrons to fall in love with Fruitastic-O’s frozen delights. In fact it many local families would enjoy Fruitastic-O more than once a week. On a warm summer night, if you drove down 111th it was not uncommon to see all of our lawn chairs filled with families relaxing together and enjoying our frozen treats,” began owner and Mt. Greenwood resident, Mike Small.

In addition to several new Italian Ice and Cream Ice flavors, Fruitastic-O will be introducing their Party Package plan. Mike Small explained, “Last year one thing our patrons requested, was the ability to purchase their favorite Italian Ice or Cream Ice in a size other than single-scoop. Because we value our customer’s feedback, this season Fruitastic-O will offer a Party Package. This is an ideal way to enjoy Fruitastic-O’s summertime delights at block parties, birthdays or special events,” Mike Small remarked.

Party Package reservation forms will be available at the Fruitastic-O trailer and on their Facebook page. Party Package reservations must be made a week in advance. Patrons will be able to select from two available Italian Ice or Cream Ice flavors. The Party Package will serve approximately 50-65 one-scoop servings. The cost of the Party Package does include serving cups and spoons.

Mike Small added, “Creating Fruitastic-O has been a dream of mine. That dream became a reality thanks to the support and help of my family. Each member of my family plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Fruitastic-O. My daughter, Kelly, plays a lead role as manger. My wife, Phyllis, handles the accounting and payroll. My other children Dana and Ryan, help staff Fruitastic-O and serve as team leaders. My son-in-law, Brad Filipek, handles all of the IT functions. And my cousin, Linda Gardner, assists me with public relations efforts.”

Fruitastic-O will offer six flavors of Italian Ice daily. Blueberry, Lemon, Mango and Sour Cherry are a sample of Italian Ice flavors that will be offered. Fruitastic-O’s Italian Ice is dairy free, gluten free and vegan. They will offer six refreshing flavors of Cream Ice daily. Sample flavors include Root Beer Float, Cookies & Cream and Sunshine Orange Dreamsickle. Cream Ice recipes contain dairy.

Fruitastic-O’s Italian Ice is similar to delicately flavored sorbet that has unexpected chunks of fresh fruit throughout. Fruitastic-O’s Cream Ice is deliciously unique! It is lighter and more thirst quenching than traditional ice cream. The Cream Ice flavors are delightfully refreshing and burst with rich flavor.

Fruitastic-O’s hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 5p.m.-9p.m., Saturday 1p.m.-9p.m. and Sunday from 1p.m.-8p.m. On days of inclement weather, Fruitastic-O may alter their hours of operation. Please check the Fruitastic-O’s Facebook page for weather related closings.