Inventive Artisanal Gelato Joint Opens In Manhattan

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Van Leeuwen, the artisanal gelato joint, is taking over the Upper East Side.

The scoop shop opened on Madison Avenue and 96th Street on Friday, making it the 32nd location in the city, and the third Van Leeuwen location on the Upper East Side alone, according to the company.

But before it was a household name rivaling Ben & Jerry's, the ice cream shop started as a yellow ice cream truck in New York City in 2008. The company's uncommon flavors paired with its French style of ice cream quickly earned it a loyal following.

Other Upper East Side locations include one at East 73rd Street and Third Avenue, and East 84th Street and Second Avenue. The new location on East 96th Street takes over a storefront that used to be a Papyrus stationery store.

The new shop's menu features around 30 flavors, including current summertime specials like Blue Jasmine Passionfruit Swirl, White Chocolate Raspberry Brownie, and Mango Sticky Rice, according to the shop's website, in addition to sundaes, housemade waffle cones, ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, milkshakes and pints to-go.

The new shop is part of the company's latest expansion, which will also include new locations in Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Penn Station, and Yonkers.

The new creamery is located at 1380 Madison Ave. on the Upper East Side.

Know of a business opening or closing in Manhattan? Email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.

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