Just in time to help Southside residents celebrate America’s favorite holiday, The 4thof July, Fruitastic-O will begin serving-up their version of Italian Ice and Cream Ice with a grand opening celebration set for Sunday, July 1st at 12 p.m. Fruitastic-O is located in Mount Greenwood Park next to the Kids Splash Pad off of 111th Street.
 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!
  “I am proud and energized about Fruitastic-O’s grand opening,” remarked Mike Small, owner and Mount Greenwood resident. “What makes Fruitastic-O unique is that our Italian Ice and Cream Ice is made by hand in small batches daily. We use only natural ingredients – filtered water, real sugar, real cream, and tons of fruit. On average, we use approximately two pounds of fruit for every gallon of our frozen treats.”
   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 Creamsicle.  Cream Ice recipes contain dairy.

   Small has spent the past two years creating and perfecting Fruitastic-O recipes. Today he has a library of 50 Fruitastic-O Italian Ice and Cream Ice recipes he will offer patrons. Small explained, “During Fruitastic-O’s research and development phase, I would bring a sample batch of a new recipe I created to work for my coworkers to try at lunch. I would also give samples to family members and neighbors to capture their feedback. Based on the feedback I received, I would modify the recipe until I created the right combination of flavors.”
   Fruitastic-O’s Italian Ice is similar to delicately flavored sorbet with 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 will also offer fresh popcorn and fresh squeezed lemonade.
  “In 1995 I operated several successful fresh squeezed lemonade stands at the Taste of Chicago, local street fairs and popular music venues. Back then my children were small and would accompany me during events,” Small added. “Today my children are grown. My wife, children, son-in-law and close friends each play a significant role in the operation of Fruitastic-O. It has brought us closer together as a family. Which is one of the reasons I am so passionate about Fruitastic-O.”
 Fruitastic-O’s hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 2:30p.m.-9p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12p.m.-9p.m. Check out the Fruitastic-O Facebook page for a list of weekly flavors being offered.