Today we’d like to introduce you to Danté and Kassandra
Hi Danté and Kassandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello! We’re Danté and Kassandra, the proud owners of a one-of-a-kind ice cream experience on wheels. From our 1992 Chevy Ice Cream truck, hand-painted to look like it rolled straight out of a comic book, we serve up delicious, allergy-friendly treats that everyone can enjoy. People often say it looks like a drawing come to life, and that’s exactly the kind of fun, nostalgic, and welcoming vibe we want to bring to our community.
Our journey started with a deeply personal mission. Our son has multiple food allergies, and we were determined to create treats that were not only safe for him but also just as indulgent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. That challenge led us to craft an entirely plant-based, gluten-free menu without compromising on flavor or quality. We take pride in making everything as natural and clean as possible, no artificial additives, no unnecessary fillers, just pure, real ingredients.
Our Italian Ice is made from real fruit and raw cane sugar, with some flavors infused with herbs, hydrating coconut water for the electrolytes, or sea moss for an extra nutritional boost. Our vegan, gluten-free ice cream is so rich and creamy we’ve been told that it rivals even the biggest names in the industry. And our açaí bowls? They’re smooth, organic, and beautifully topped with your favorite fresh ingredients, creating the perfect balance of health and indulgence.
At the heart of it all, our goal is simple: to make treats that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy without worry. We believe that food should bring joy, not stress, and we’re proud to offer a menu that’s inclusive, delicious, and made with love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, like any other business, we’ve had our share of challenges, from flat tires to freezers unexpectedly going down, but through it all, we’ve been truly fortunate. We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing community that surrounds us, always ready to lend a hand when it matters most. Their support keeps us going, reminding us why we started this journey in the first place: to bring people together through good food, good vibes, and a mission that’s bigger than just dessert.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With a background in microbiology, I, Kassandra, have worked for the USDA in the dairy and functional foods group, distilleries, and finally in flavor research and development, creating flavors for major companies. Growing up in a family bakery, I gained invaluable experience that now helps us craft the best possible ice cream.
I, Danté, have loved ice cream and Italian ice since childhood, spending years exploring specialty shops in Boston. In 2019, I began delivering ice cream, spending long drives dreaming up new flavors and ideas.
When our son’s severe allergies made it nearly impossible to find frozen treats that were both safe and delicious, we decided to create our own. That’s how Cali Scoops was born, out of love, necessity, and a passion for ice cream. Friends and family couldn’t tell the difference from traditional ice cream, and we knew we had something special. Now, we’re proud to offer a delicious, allergen-friendly alternative for anyone who wants to enjoy great ice cream without the compromise.
That dedication to inclusivity and quality is what sets us apart. Short story time: At an event outside our usual area, a young woman approached us, phone in hand, with a long list of allergies in her notes app. She handed it over, hopeful, searching for something she could enjoy safely. Without hesitation, we carefully went through our menu, listing all the options she could have. In the end, she walked away with a cone stacked high with multiple flavors and the biggest smile on her face. That moment left our hearts full because this is exactly why we do what we do.
We don’t emphasize that our ice cream is vegan, It’s simply good and good-for-you ice cream that happens to be vegan. More than anything, we’re advocates for clean, honest ingredients, not just in food, but in life. The Cali in our name comes from Calisthenics, a bodyweight training community we’re deeply rooted in, reflecting our commitment to health, balance, and strength. This approach allows us to connect with people from all walks of life, proving that just because something lacks traditional, normalized ingredients doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious.
At the heart of it all, our goal is simple: to make treats that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy without worry. We believe that food should bring joy, not stress, and we’re proud to offer a menu that’s inclusive and delicious. Love, passion, and science make a good ice cream, and we’re honored to share that with you.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Health is wealth, and after experiencing the pandemic, we were only further driven to make sure that what we consume reflects that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @caliscoops
