As the excessive heat swarms over Chicagoland, a local shop is keeping residents cool.
Mario’s Italian Lemonade has been a staple in Little Italy since 1954. The tiny shop is situated between old brownstones and new pop-up businesses. As temperatures climbed to 100 degrees on Wednesday, residents came for a treat to beat the heat.
“It is extremely hot today; a perfect day to grab yourself an Italian ice,” said Gabriella Rosinia, a server at the stand.
Crowds came to the stand throughout the afternoon to grab the dessert. The shop has been serving Chicagoans since its founding by Mario DiPaolo and his son, Mario G. DiPaolo, also known as “Skip.”
Skip was given a hand-crank lemonade machine from his father when he was six and he soon began selling lemonade for two cents on Taylor Street. His father supported his dream to expand and soon opened the shop.
“Mario’s has been open since 1954 and we serve Italian ice every summer; it’s a tradition,” said Rosinia.
The shop sells the traditional lemon flavor but has expanded their menu to include fun flavors like fruit cocktail, pina colada, pomegranate and more.
The extreme heat will continue through Thursday, and, if Italian ice doesn’t do it for you, Chicago has opened its cooling centers as well as public pools and splash pads. Check out this list to find the location closest to you.
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