This beloved Philly ice cream brand got a shout-out on ‘SNL’
“It’s surreal — we’re such a small family business, and when we see ourselves in such a widely publicized place like ‘Saturday Night Live’ with somebody like Matt Damon, it’s really neat," said Alex Strange.
For a promo photo in last week’s Saturday Night Live, Matt Damon pours coffee at a retro-style shop, where a sign displays a historic Philly ice cream brand: Bassetts. The actor’s third feature on Saturday Night Live aired May 9, with the hit late-night show’s quintessential photos posted on social media to promote the episode.
Written in its signature font on a sign displayed behind the actor, Bassetts Ice Cream was featured on the iconic interstitials, shot by photographer Mary Ellen Matthews.
Bassetts, the oldest ice cream maker in America, is one of the best ice cream spots in Philadelphia. It sits inside Reading Terminal Market, where loyalists can order scoops of rich dark chocolate and (anything-but-plain) vanilla ice cream at the marble counter. In its sixth generation, the company uses the same base recipe, with almost 16% butterfat, that L.D. Bassett perfected over the years.
Michael Strange, CEO of Bassetts, told The Inquirer the photo was taken at Lexington Candy Shop in New York City, a long-term customer of the ice cream maker. “They’ve been serving our ice cream literally for decades — it’s an iconic establishment in New York City," Strange said.
“The owner, John [Philis], I’ve spoken to a number of times — he’s just a huge Bassetts Ice Cream fan," he added. “So, I think when they get celebrities in there for any kind of photos, they always seem to have Bassetts flavor board or signage in the background, which we deeply appreciate.”
According to Alex Strange, the ice cream company’s president, the New York candy shop posted about the photo feature, which is how Bassetts vice president of sales and marketing Brian Bebee came to find it.
“It’s surreal — we’re such a small family business, and when we see ourselves, or even an image of ourselves, in such a widely publicized place like Saturday Night Live with somebody like Matt Damon, it’s really neat," Alex said.
“It makes me proud to be a part of the business,” he added. “Bassetts is a historic ice cream brand, having been around since 1861, and Lexington Candy is woven into the fabric of New York City, and Saturday Night Live is right there with New York. It’s all really cool to feel like we’re in the conversation.”
The ice cream company celebrated its brief nod on social media, too.
“We’re beyond thrilled to see Bassetts Ice Cream featured in last night’s Saturday Night Live skit 🍨✨," the Instagram caption said.
”From Reading Terminal Market to late-night TV, it’s such an exciting moment for our team and a sweet reminder of how far a classic scoop can go. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and share the love for Bassetts along the way. Did anyone else catch it last night?"
And fans of the show and ice cream shop chimed in.
“❤️❤️❤️this is huge!!!!” someone wrote.
“Fell off my chair !” another person said.
“OMG that’s so awesome!!!!!” MilkJawn’s Instagram account commented in support.
