HAPPY CUSTOMER: “Alsies delivers a premium yet accessible experience. We’re not just selling ice cream — we’re creating moments of joy, rooted in quality, design, and service,” explain Rajeev Sharma, owner of Alsies Mobile Ice Cream Truck Princeton and Gurbux Mangat, manager. They are enthusiastic about their new venture, and equally enthusiastic is the happy customer shown inside the truck.
By Jean Stratton
It’s all about ice cream! And not just everyone’s summertime favorite, it is the go-to treat for all seasons.
Now traversing the Princeton area and beyond, the Alsies Ice Cream Truck is bringing its selection of ice cream cones, sandwiches, popsicles, and more to a wide spectrum of customers.
Boyhood Friends
Opened in North Carolina in 2020 as a franchise business, it now includes 16 locations. The recently launched Princeton operation is the first in New Jersey.
Alsies Princeton owner Rajeev Sharma and manager Gurbux Mangat were boyhood friends in the Princeton area. Their shared love of ice cream and their demonstrated business acumen led them to open Alsies here.
“Ice cream was always a go-to treat, tied to so many great memories with family and friends,” recalls Sharma. “That sense of joy and nostalgia definitely played a role in our wanting to be part of Alsies.”
He adds that the Alsies founders had an intriguing concept and business format. “The founders of Alsies have a strong track record and bring a thoughtful, mission-driven approach to everything they do. Their vision was compelling — not just to sell desserts, but to reimagine what a mobile dessert experience could look like.”
Even the thought behind the Alsies name was meaningful to them, he adds. “The name is inspired by the names of one of the founder’s children — a brand deeply rooted in family, joy, and purpose.
“I was also drawn to the technology component,” he continues. “Alsies integrates tech in smart, practical ways — from app-based delivery and route discovery to data-driven decisions around inventory and operations. It felt like a modern, scalable model with heart behind it, and that combination really stood out to me.”
HIGH TECH: The Alsies mobile app, with options shown here, offers a modern twist on the classic ice cream truck experience, allowing users to track routes, request on-demand delivery, and book the truck for events — all from their smart phones.
New Technology
Manager Gurbux Mangat agrees, pointing out, “We saw a market for this. We felt the region lacked a modern, high quality, family-friendly mobile ice cream option. Alsies brings something fresh, premium, and community-focused.
“We are blending the old with the new. The old ice cream neighborhood truck and culture, with the new technology of today, i.e., being able to order via an app. This is a great combination. We are really set apart with this technology. The app is the biggest differential. People can follow us with their app, order with their app, etc. And we’ll know exactly where a customer is waiting, and they’ll know where we are.”
This is very early in the entrepreneurs’ new adventure, having just launched the Princeton area Alsies in June. Even in such a short time. however, they are very encouraged.
As Sharma explains, “We have seen a very strong response from the community, and that motivates us to keep building. I’m looking forward to expanding our presence, making more connections, and seeing how Alsies can become a fixture in Princeton and the central Jersey neighborhoods.”
Adds Mangat, “We not only go to neighborhoods, but also to parks, schools, community centers, and a variety of settings and different events. For example, we recently had an event, a pool party, and people were very enthusiastic. We look forward to doing birthday parties, graduations, family gatherings, all kinds of social occasions.”
Recently, at a park in Hillsborough, a variety of people came to investigate once they saw the truck, with its friendly ice cream designs and cheerful logo. The group of customers grew, as more people discovered the truck, and wanted to try out some of the specialties.
New Experience
“I am very excited to try the Alsies ice cream,” said a customer, who had brought her dog to the park for playtime with other canines. She was soon joined by the other dog owners for whom Alsies was also a new experience. After tasting her ice cream sandwich, she smiled and said she would surely become an Alsies regular.
This ability to bring people pleasure is an important reason the Alsies franchise appealed to Sharma and Mangat. “Seeing people smile when they come up to the truck — kids, parents, even dogs! — that’s the best part. There’s something really special about being part of someone’s happy memory, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
The quality and choices of the ice cream are another important reason Alsies is fast becoming a favorite option, believe Sharma and Mangat.
“Our offerings include gourmet ice cream sandwiches from Nightingale, all-natural popsicles from Streetpops, and traditional favorites including cones. Blue Bunny is another brand we carry, and the menu will continue to evolve based on customers’ preferences. We also offer vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Every product is intentionally sourced, tested, and selected for quality and flavor.”
The array of choices offers a treat for everyone’s taste buds. Ice cream sandwiches are among the most popular, including Chocolate French Roast, Cookie Monster, and Chocolate Blackout, among others. Also in demand are such popsicles as Rainbow Lemonade, Mango Strawberry, Blueberry Lemon Cream, and Pineapple Passion. Other favorites include Chocolate Eclair, Blushing Lemon Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, BDay Cake Chomp, and many customized flavors.
Fun Business
“We’ve been getting a lot of great word-of-mouth and social media response, and it’s all ages who are fans. Of course, kids are very excited, but it’s really everyone,” reports Mangat.
“People really look forward to the truck coming. We hope in time to become a staple in the community and gain the trust of the customers. They’ll know they can count on us because of our service and consistency and our quality products. We have a very positive attitude. This is a fun, feel good business!”
Prices range from $5 to $7, and the truck is on the road seven days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Both Rajeev Sharma and Gurbux Mangat believe they have something new and different to offer, and look forward to a future where tech meets tradition.
As they say, “We believe in smart growth. We aim to grow with purpose — expanding while staying true to our mission and maintaining quality that sets us apart. We envision Alsies as a cultural connector, a lasting part of regional culture — not just a treat, but a source of local pride and shared memories.”
For further information, call (609) 200-5746. Visit the website at alsies.com/princeton.