With the return of Michael's Water Ice to Ridge Avenue, Roxborough gets served a familiar treat from this legacy business.

What many new comers know as Michael's Water Ice is known to long time Roxborough locals as “the water ice stand”. We had the pleasure of meeting with Scott Michael Thomas of Michael’s Water Ice to get the inside scoop on the re-opening of this local legacy business.

What many new comers know as Michael's Water Ice is known to long time Roxborough locals as “the water ice stand”

In 1999 Scott Michael’s father, Scott Sr. and business partner Jay Plisinski started serving Michael’s Water Ice to the Roxborough neighborhood. The water ice business which was originally located at 6050 Ridge Avenue was owned by Scott Sr.'s friend, Michael Fox. After many years of running the business, when Michael was ready to sell, Scott Sr. was the first person he called. 

As a Roxborough native, Scott Michael takes pride in being a Roxborough business owner just like his father and considers Michael’s Water Ice to be a neighborhood staple. Running Michael’s Water Ice is a family affair.  Scott Michael started helping with the family business when he was thirteen and has big plans for the future of Michael’s Water Ice. Scott Michael’s plans include expanding to another location in Pennsylvania within the next few years.

When we asked Scott Michael why his water ice tastes so good, he told us the secret ingredient was “Schuylkill Punch”

As Scott Michael reminisced about his teenage years he called the shop a “time capsule”.  He recalled coming home from school with his classmates and going to Michael’s Water Ice, The Custard Stand or Dalessandro’s.  Twenty years later, Scott Michael witnesses his former classmates taking day trips to Roxborough to visit theses iconic shops with their families.

When we asked Scott Michael why his water ice tastes so good, he told us the secret ingredient was “Schuylkill Punch” which happens to be the first ingredient in every batch. Michael’s Water Ice is a very friendly and inviting shop and has been a popular stop for families since their doors have been open. They have many tasty flavors, including chocolate, which is their top selling flavor. Visit Michael’s Water Ice for a cool treat at 5925 Ridge Avenue, Monday – Friday between 11AM-9PM.