Italian Ice Business

I'm new to this site - seeking advise. I'm interested in staring an Italian Ice Biz. However, in my research, cannot decide between cold plate pushcart or dry ice pushcart. It seem as though for certain events, dry ice would be easier to use. Do not want to make such an expensive mistake. Can someone tell me what their experience has been regarding cold plate vs dry ice. Your response is much appreciated.

dry ice can be dangerous to work with and can freezer burn your product. This is what Ive always been told.

I've been in the Italian Ice business for a couple of years now. I would spend the extra cash on a cold plate cart. All Star Carts has a model 515 that is inexpensive for $2500. I had one of these last year and was very satisfied. It also has a classic look with the bycycle wheels on the rear. I have since purchased a Nelson Model BDC8 and like it even better. It is a bit more expensive at $4000+ new, but you can find them on ebay for a lot less. I did a wedding last weekend with 90+ temperatures and it still stayed at 10 degrees after more than eight hours.

Thanks for your response. Decided on cold plate pushcart. Have not been successful in finding one on ebay. Leon county requires that you store the pushcart at a storage facility (not at your home), a sink and commissary. Any advice. Also, what brand product of italian ice has proven to be a good product / or what product to stay away from? Thank again.

What state are you in? In florida if the item is prepackaged like ices or ice cream novelties, you dont need a commissary or sinks or anything as youre not physically touching the actual product.Just make sure your temp is right on the money.

Christy, also starting an italian ice pushcart biz here in central florida. After much research I have settled on doing business with "Little Jimmy's" out of New Jersey. Their site is italianice.net Family operated , I get regular updates from them. I have checked their history at better business bureau and they have an impeccable business record. Their brand is very eye appealing and are not a franchise. You simply get your supplies and ice from them. One of the brothers Anthony lived and operated italian ice carts in florida, so he has a lot of first hand knowledge of different county, local regulations you need to operate. Anyway, hope this is helpful. Keep in touch, we can probably help each other out with different aspects of starting and operating this type business. Good luck, Neil

quote:

Originally posted by IceMan1969

Christy, also starting an italian ice pushcart biz here in central florida. After much research I have settled on doing business with "Little Jimmy's" out of New Jersey. Their site is italianice.net Family operated , I get regular updates from them. I have checked their history at better business bureau and they have an impeccable business record. Their brand is very eye appealing and are not a franchise. You simply get your supplies and ice from them. One of the brothers Anthony lived and operated italian ice carts in florida, so he has a lot of first hand knowledge of different county, local regulations you need to operate. Anyway, hope this is helpful. Keep in touch, we can probably help each other out with different aspects of starting and operating this type business. Good luck, Neil

quote:

Originally posted by IceMan1969

Christy, also starting an italian ice pushcart biz here in central florida. After much research I have settled on doing business with "Little Jimmy's" out of New Jersey. Their site is italianice.net Family operated , I get regular updates from them. I have checked their history at better business bureau and they have an impeccable business record. Their brand is very eye appealing and are not a franchise. You simply get your supplies and ice from them. One of the brothers Anthony lived and operated italian ice carts in florida, so he has a lot of first hand knowledge of different county, local regulations you need to operate. Anyway, hope this is helpful. Keep in touch, we can probably help each other out with different aspects of starting and operating this type business. Good luck, Neil

What exactly is "Italian Ice". Is that just a trade name for a shaved ice business? Do you use dairy in your products? If you're only dealing with flavored water (ice) and do not use dairy, then a lot of the health regs might not apply. At least that's the way it is in my area. Same goes for pre packaged items.

italian ice is not the same as shaved ice. however, is it a non-dairy product. i did not want to sell pre-packaged italian ice. the whole idea is to make the product appealing and to boost sales. when sold as scoops, its very appealing product to the public.

While the cost of a cold plate cart is more expensive and it is heavier to push around, The cost of operation is much less expensive.
A 50lb. block of dry ice can cost around $30 and severly cut into profits.
At best, you can hope to get a days use out of it before it evaporates.
As mentioned before, you have to be careful when you handle dry ice as it is -273 degrees and can give you a good low temperature burn.

Imho, the best dry ice carts were manufactured by Hackney Brothers in Wilson North Carolina. Unfortunately they are no longer in business

Also bear in mind that some so called cold plate carts only have "slugs" in them that cool by convection rather than refrigeration. If it doesn't have a compressor, It isn't a true cold plate cart

Whoops, that line best dry ice carts should have read best COLD PLATE carts