The Birth of a Frozen Delight
Michael Keller, CEO of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, joined anchors Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin on Florida’s Fourth Estate to share the captivating origin story of this beloved brand.
The journey began with Jeremy Litwack, a passionate entrepreneur from South Jersey. Inspired by the classic Italian ice (or “water ice” as it’s known in Philly. Please don’t try to pronounce “water ice” like they do in Philly. It won’t end well for you) of his hometown, Jeremy began experimenting with recipes as early as 1988 while attending the University of Delaware.
From Push Cart to Brick-and-Mortar
Litwack’s dream wasn’t just about creating a delicious product; it was about sharing it with the world. He started small, peddling his perfected Italian ice from behind a pushcart, sometimes even on rollerblades. He was a hockey player so he knew what he was doing. The journey led him to Florida, where in 1996, he opened the first Jeremiah’s Italian Ice location in Winter Park, Orlando.
Growing Pains and Breakthroughs
Like many great businesses, Jeremiah’s faced its share of struggles. Litwack was bringing a northeastern concept to the sunny state of Florida, and it took time to catch on. Early on, there were quiet days, with few customers and even fewer sales, but Litwack’s belief in his product never wavered. He focused on grassroots efforts, building the brand one customer at a time, even going so far as to place coupons on the windshields of cars parked in his lot. What can we say, the guy had an insatiable drive.
A Franchise Success Story
In 2019, Litwack and his team decided to take Jeremiah’s to the next level by franchising. The first franchise locations opened in 2020, and within just a few years, the company expanded to nearly 130 stores across 11 states. The growth has been phenomenal, and the brand shows no signs of slowing down. When Matt Austin Asked the CEO about growing too fast, Keller explained they take great pains to make sure each location lives up to the Jeremiah’s promise of quality.
A Taste That Stays with You
When, FFE host, Ginger Gadsden got to taste Jeremiah’s Italian ice during the podcast, she couldn’t help but rave about the unique, layered flavors. The blend of Italian ice and custard creates a taste sensation that keeps customers coming back for more. Ginger’s reaction was priceless, likening the experience to a wine tasting where the flavors continue to unfold with each bite.
The Future of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Looking ahead, Jeremiah’s has big plans. With a goal to expand to 300 stores within a few years, the company is poised for continued success. New products and flavors are on the horizon, promising to delight customers in new and exciting ways.
A Sweet Legacy
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has grown from a single pushcart to a nationwide franchise, all while staying true to its sweet roots. As Michael Keller puts it, the future is bright, with endless possibilities for growth and innovation. Whether you’re in Florida or across the country, one thing is clear: Jeremiah’s is here to stay, one cup of delicious Italian ice at a time.
The originals Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, which opened in Winter Park, is still open for business and located at 6864 Aloma Ave.