New Italian Ice Store on Nassau Now Open
Just in time for summer, a new Italian ice shop has opened up in downtown Princeton.
Louie G’s Famous Italian Ice opened shortly after noon today. Planet Princeton editors were among the first group that made it in the doors. What can we say? We can’t resist flavors like pistachio, coconut and Dulce de Leche.
The store is located at 124 Nassau Street in the former site of Massimos Pizza, which moved to a larger location down the street.
Louie G owner John Guida first visited Princeton to attend the annual tree lighting ceremony two years ago with friends.
“I fell in love with Princeton,” he said. “I knew I wanted to open a store here. It is such a cute town.”
The Staten Island dweller already operates a Louie G’s in his hometown. The stores are part of a franchise that now boasts more than 100 locations.
Guida is already happy he chose to open a store in Princeton. “Everyone has been so friendly and helpful already, and many of the other business owners along the block have made a point to stop by and say hello,” he said.
Louie G’s serves more than 45 flavors of Italian ice, more than 30 flavors of ice cream, and soft serve ice cream. The store offers sugar-free varieties, and makes other specialty items like smoothies and root beer floats.
Asked if he was at all daunted by the ice cream competition in downtown Princeton, which includes not only The Bent Spoon, Halo Pub and Thomas Sweets, but also frozen yogurt standouts Twist and Fruity Yogurt, Guida said he is not worried because he offers a different kind of product.
“Italian Ice is really our specialty, and we have a wide variety of flavors that is always growing,” he said. “Our Italian ices are made with real fruit, and are low in calories, so we can compete with frozen yogurt for those counting calories.”
A regular size Italian ice is 50 to 90 calories depending on the flavor, while a large is 90-145 calories. Calories are posted on the large menu that hangs on the wall in the store.
We tried both the pistachio Italian ice and the pistachio ice cream. The ice cream was thick and creamy and included plenty of nuts. The ice was a pleasant surprise – not at all thin or too icy like some ices can be, but light and creamy. And we didn’t have to feel guilty, because it was easy on the waistline, at least that’s what we kept telling ourselves as we slurped it down.
Loui G’s is offering a grand opening special for a limited time: Spend $10, get $2 off anything, coupon required (available at the store).
Louie G’s Hours: Mon.-Thurs., noon-10 p.m.; Fr. & Sat., noon-11 p.m., Sun. noon-9 p.m.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.