Bassetts Ice Cream, a fifth-generation business, is the only original establishment still operating in Philadelphia's historic Reading Terminal Market. “Location plays a key part in a business's success, but you still have to make it work,” says Roger Bassett, 52, managing partner. “There are plenty of businesses that have failed here,” says Bassett, who runs the retail store in the market, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.
His cousin Michael Strange, 56, president of the company, says Bassett is indeed making it work. “The store is more successful now than it has ever been,” says Strange, who heads the wholesale operation.