In September, 1981 Toscanini’s was founded by Gus Rancatore, Kurt Jaenicke, Pearl Morrison, Janet Rosenblatt, Rich Johnston, Diane Depczenski, Pat Johnston, Miriam Stewart, Donna Muffoletto, Cornelia Rancatore, Eleanor Rancatore and Mimi Rancatore, all of whom worked for free and made contributions that enabled the 800 square foot ice cream store at 899 Main Street to survive its first year. The time is clouded in mist -and myth- but Mim Stewart is believed to have made the transition from unpaid friend to first scooper. She was quickly joined by David Shaw, from Fordham Prep and MIT.

After 40+ years of hard work and dedication, Toscanini’s is now a widely successful family business. All of our ice cream is homemade in store. We are always interested in new flavors. Some flavors are from other parts of the US like Black Bottom Pie, and others are from foreign countries. We try to recognize the fortuitous mistake like Burnt Caramel or Bourbon Vienna Finger Cookie. We serve coffee from Barismo and Batdorf & Bronson and teas from MEM Tea. Baked goods are from Iggy's or baked in the early morning hours before we start making ice cream.