From Italy to America – The History of Repicci’s Italian Ice

Our roots are as authentically Italian as our Italian ice and gelato. When Dominic Francesco Repicci immigrated from Messina, Italy to America in 1911, he brought his family’s Old World recipe for Italian ice. At first, Dominic shared his family’s delicious Italian treat with friends and neighbors in South Philadelphia. It wasn’t long before Dominic found himself busy producing his family’s unique product to meet an overwhelming demand.

Dominic’s grandson, Frank, continues his grandfather’s passion for offering quality Italian treats. Frank opened a manufacturing plant in Tennessee in 1998, which initially supplied concessions for the Chattanooga parks and recreation facilities. The popularity of Repicci’s Italian Ice grew rapidly throughout the Southeastern United States. Franchising began in 2005, starting out as seasonal tents that would pop up at spring and summertime events. These trailblazers continued to gain loyal fans for Repicci’s one-of-a-kind products, and in 2014 it was decided to include mobile trailers in our franchising model.

Now, Repicci’s products are manufactured on a larger scale in Selmer, Tennessee, enabling the company to meet a nationwide demand. We have more than 30 franchises nationwide, where Repicci’s products are enjoyed by millions of people in thousands of locations. The future lies in taking our product to customers where they are, rather than waiting for them to come to us. We now offer new franchisees the opportunity to own a business, selling delicious Real Italian Ice, Gelato, Italian-Roasted Coffee and Hot Chocolate at events of all kind. From fairs and festivals to sporting events, rodeos, reunions and even weddings, a Repicci’s Italian Ice & Gelato food truck is suited for any occasion or event.