WATERVILLE — Bobby Dombroski and his wife, Larkin Silverman, grew to love central Maine after moving here from Philadelphia in 2021, but they missed a popular frozen dessert served in their native city — Philly-style water ice, also known as Italian ice.

So, the Waterville couple recently opened a mobile food trailer, Sojourn Ice Co., as a way to share with Mainers and visitors the dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free treat made with three simple ingredients — pureed fruit, filtered water and pure cane sugar.

Their truck, which Dombroski custom-outfitted largely by hand, is parked at the Waterville Food Truck Park at 121 Kennedy Memorial Drive where they use a commercial ice cream maker to produce their water ice. It is available in four flavors — lemon, cherry, passion fruit and coffee — and soon, blueberry will be offered, using Wyman’s of Maine blueberry purée.

“Water ice can be a little creamy and smooth,” Dombroski said Thursday as he worked. “The water and the sugar mixed together make that nice sort of creamy, velvety texture.”

Patrons tasting water ice for the first time love it and Philadelphia expats are happy to know it is available in central Maine, Dombroski said. He said he hasn’t found any place in the area that sells it.

Committed to sustainability, the business uses plastic-free serve ware including wood pulp spoons and biodegradable paper cups. It also partners with Maine vendors such as the solar-powered business Precipice Coffee of Ellsworth. Most of Sojourn’s commercial equipment, including what Dombroski and Silverman describe as their prized Emery Thompson Ice Cream Machine, was procured second-hand, reducing the impact of the start-up from its inception.

Dombroski distinguishes Sojourn’s version of water ice from that of their childhood by omitting the use of artificial flavors or colors. He and Silverman, who have a daughter, Alma, 5, refer to the treat as a refreshing indulgence on a hot summer day and note it’s accessible to those with food intolerances, allergies and those looking for a health-conscious treat the whole family can enjoy.

Their venture is the revival of not just regional nostalgia, but also family tradition, according to the couple. Dombroski’s great-uncle Tony, a first generation Italian immigrant, once made and sold water ice out of a cart in South Philadelphia, they said. They settled on the name Sojourn Ice Co. as an homage to their literal and figurative journey from being a young family in Philadelphia to established Mainers, who made a sojourn to Waterville and now call it home.

They said they hope to expand their offerings to include snacks such as classic Philadelphia soft pretzels, sustainably-packaged beverages and, eventually, vegan soft serve, which promises to bring a classic Philly dessert known as a gelati to the water ice experience while staying true to the brand’s eco-friendly ethos.

Business hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, weather depending.

“As long as there’s sunshine, I’m going to be here,” Dombroski, 41, said.

He and Silverman, 38, who also is social media and marketing coordinator for Day’s Jeweler’s, as well as a yoga instructor, are booking on-site private events throughout the region and say people may follow them on Instagram and Facebook @SojournIceCo or online at sojournice.com. They also may be reached at [email protected].