Bringing Ice Cream to the Catskills

FLEISCHMANNS — A Fleischmanns businessowner is bringing a sweet treat to the Catskills. Doolittle’s owner Harold Kuhn is getting his ice cream truck, Harold’s Cold Comfort, up and running with a unique set of offerings for the public.

“I was just looking to add to the energy on Main Street,” he said. Kuhn said that he liked the “nostalgic idea of an ice cream truck.”

The vehicle itself is “retro-inspired.” It’s custom-built inspired by a 1950s-Italian gelato truck. Kuhn ordered it in March and arrived in the middle of July.

The truck was at Pine Hill Pride, in Andes at Little Grocer, and Wayside for Trivia Night. For the rest of the season, the truck will be in front of Doolittles (1121 Main Street) from 12pm-5pm. It will also be used for a number of Autumn events, including the Fleischmanns Village Fest Aug. 31 and planning “something special” for trick-or-treating during Halloween.

Ice cream is “something that makes everyone happy,” Kuhn said. It appeals to people of all ages and after seeing how children respond to Doolittles and the selection of kid’s stuff, this is a great chance to “put a smile on people’s faces.”

After completing his research and finding a supplier, going from retail with some food to ice cream was “pretty simple.” The ability to focus on a single item with elements that won’t go bad makes things significantly easier.

Ice cream comes from Del’s Farmhouse Creamery in Rhinebeck. Its creamery is in Red Hook. It’s “very high quality” ice cream that Kuhn said is the “best around.”
The ice cream includes classic flavors like strawberry and chocolate, as well as specialty flavors such as lavender honey blueberry and maple snickerdoodle, and a rotating seasonal calendar. Kuhn said that he is excited to include such seasonal flavors.

The ice cream is available with cups or sugar cones. The offerings are classic hard ice cream. There are also dairy-free options.

The owner said that the truck is also a chance to add another food to the village without being “permanently fixed.”

There are significant plans for 2026, including a possible second unit. This could allow Kuhn to keep one in Fleischmanns and another circulating.

Private events, including weddings, reunions, and community events are all available for rent.

For more information or to reserve the truck, contact 845-254-3440.