By Megan McLaughlin
A family-owned ice cream parlor is more than a dessert shop, it is a community anchor of small towns and cities across America. In Reading, Massachusetts, Dandi’s Ice Cream is a yellow and green paneled shop that sits on a corner on Main St. The ice cream parlor opened in this location in 1974, and in 2002, the third and current owner, Mark Maselli, purchased the business. Mark and his three sons work alongside employees who become like family. I have worked at Dandi’s for six summers since I was sixteen years old. The shop has been a place where relationships, friendships, and families have grown for generations of customers and employees alike.
But what’s it really like behind the scenes of a small family-run ice cream parlor? I sat down with Mark Maselli to talk about life as the owner of a small business. After 25 years of running the shop, he said what surprised him the most was the number of hours it takes behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Learning to adapt to changing costs and even the weather, which can dramatically affect customer flow, are simply realities of running a small business.
In an environment that could easily become stressful, Mark’s philosophy is to keep things lighthearted and fun. “You have to come to work and laugh a little bit”. Whether it’s cracking jokes, playing music while closing, or making silly bets about how the night will go for a few extra dollars, he keeps the employees feeling comfortable, connected, and part of an efficient team. The Dandi’s joyful work atmosphere and staff are one of the major reasons I have returned every summer.
Now let’s talk ice cream! With 53 flavors to choose from, my personal favorite is our soft serve strawberry. Best-selling flavors include cookie dough, oreo, mint chip, while chocolate takes the cake when it comes to frappes.
A Banana Bucket is one of Dandi’s unique and popular menu items. Bananas, strawberries, and pineapple accompany three different flavors of ice cream in a quart bucket. Top it off with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry for a new take on a banana split!
Another of Dandi’s most popular items is its homemade cookie sandwiches, handmade from dough to soft serve. The shop also works with local Boy Scout troops to sell the cookies at the Wilmington Fourth of July fireworks and regularly supports school events, sports teams, and first responders. Dandi’s takes pride in being an important part of the community.
Twenty-five years of handwritten signs and memorabilia decorate the inside of the shop. From the welcoming and infectious energy of Mark and his staff to the years of love and dedication displayed throughout the space, the personality of Dandi’s is undeniable. The charm and personality of a local, family-owned ice cream parlor is woven into the fabric of a town. In an ever-evolving world, places like Dandi’s remind us of life’s simple joys: connection, community, and, of course, ice cream!