Scooping Up Success: How Best Day Ever Ice Cream Built a Sweet Family Business on Wheels
In this episode of Grit Won’t Quit, host Tom Mirabella welcomes Kathy and her son Mathew, the family duo behind Best Day Ever Ice Cream, to share the behind-the-scenes journey of building their thriving mobile dessert business. With five years in operation, this mother-and-son team has grown from a dream to a must-have vendor for private parties, corporate events, and weddings across Monmouth County and beyond.
From Hair Salon to Ice Cream Truck
Kathy didn’t always serve sundaes. After 30 years of running a hair salon, she sold her business and made a bold pivot—choosing a mobile ice cream truck over a traditional storefront. The flexibility, low overhead, and adaptability of a food truck were key to getting the business off the ground during the challenges of the pandemic.
“I always wanted to have an ice cream store when I was growing up,” she shared. “But instead of a brick-and-mortar shop, we decided to go mobile. It just made sense.”
A Business Built on Family and Flavor
Mathew, now 17, has been part of Best Day Ever since day one. Starting off scooping cones and shyly avoiding customer interactions, he’s now managing backend operations, handling social media, and even paying quarterly taxes. While his favorite part of the job may still be “eating the ice cream,” Mathew’s grown into a confident and capable co-owner with real-world business savvy.
“Every year, I see Mathew mature and learn more about the business,” Kathy said. “It’s fabulous for me to watch as his mom.”
More Than Just Ice Cream
The menu at Best Day Ever Ice Cream goes way beyond the basics. While you’ll always find favorites like vanilla and chocolate, Kathy and Mathew are constantly experimenting with fun, unexpected flavors. Their menu has featured hits like Amaretto Cherry Chunk, Fruity Pebble Sundaes, and now, a brainstormed Pop-Tart ice cream sandwich.
But it’s not just about what’s on the menu—it’s how they show up. Every event is personalized. Whether it’s a birthday, school fundraiser, or wedding, they create custom signs, themed decor, and offer options for every dietary need (they’re completely nut-free!).
And when the seasons change, the truck keeps rolling. Winter events are made special with their gourmet hot chocolate bar, topped with roasted marshmallows and seasonal treats—proof that their creativity knows no seasonal bounds.
Serving Up Community & Connection
Best Day Ever Ice Cream has become a staple at local events, from staff appreciation days to weddings at local barns and venues. They’ve been recognized three years in a row by the Asbury Park Press and 95.9 WRAT as the best food truck in the region—a testament to their quality, service, and community impact.
They also make a conscious effort to give back, frequently participating in school fundraisers and donating a percentage of sales to local causes.
What’s Next for Best Day Ever?
Looking ahead, Mathew hopes to expand the business with a second truck and a mobile cart to better serve indoor or hard-to-access venues like school fields and auditoriums. As he finishes high school and considers college business courses, he’s already thinking big—bringing even more innovation and growth to the brand.
With dreams of expanding their offerings and reaching new markets, Kathy and Mathew are committed to growing Best Day Ever with the same energy, creativity, and family-first values that got them here.
Want to Book the Truck?
If you’re planning a celebration in Monmouth County or nearby, check them out:
🌐 Website: bestdayevericecreamtruck.com
Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, school event, or corporate appreciation day, Best Day Ever Ice Cream is ready to serve up smiles—one scoop at a time.
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
