City News: Harry Papavasilou, Dairy King
From the City News interview series...
This Wednesday, one of the warmer days we’ve had so far, many people were flocking to their favorite lemonade and ice cream stands to cool off. One such destination in Providence has been around for almost half a century, and in the last three decades, Greek immigrants Harry Papavasilou, and his wife Penny, have been serving their popular banana boats and sundaes at the Dairy King Ice Cream on Cranston Street.
With eager young faces waiting in line, and tons of flavor combinations and sweet treats to choose from, Harry takes a few minutes off a busy, hot day to chat briefly with City News about why he loves his job.
How long have you owned the Dairy King?
I’ve owned the business for 29 years, since 1978.
Tell us how you got into the ice cream shop business.
My cousin owned the Dairy King before me. I wanted to try something different. I wanted to go into my own business.
Is it a seasonal business?
Yes, April through September.
And your hours?
11 to 11, Monday through Sunday.
What do you like most about doing business in the Cranston Street neighborhood?
I like the job because I’m good with people. I like working with people everyday.
In the last 29 years, what changes have you seen in the neighborhood?
Oh a lot. Every year, there’s something different. There’s more people, different kind of people – and they come here. I’ve never had a problem. I know everybody! And I’ve known them since they were babies!
Why do you think the neighbors like the Dairy King so much?
I take care of my customers. They love me and I love them. They call me by my first name – all the kids and their families. And everybody comes here, not just from Providence, but from everywhere. They’ve known about the Dairy King for a long time.
I’m very friendly with my customers. Some people they do this for the money. No – I do it because I love my customers. I love the people.
What’s the most popular item on the menu?
Sundaes, banana boats – and on hot days, frozen lemonade.
Can you tell us what’s in your frozen lemonade?
No, I cannot.
Well, I thought I’d ask. Okay, what is the difference between a Cabinet and a Milkshake?
It’s all the same thing. Different places call it different things. Some call it cabinets, some call it milkshakes, and some call it frappes. It’s a regional thing.
Why do you like this type of work?
Because I like it. If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be doing something else!
If you’re passing by Cranston Street, you won’t miss the Dairy King. Just follow the long line of happy customers to Harry’s stand. The Dairy King is located on 472 Cranston Street.
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