Philadelphia Water Ice
Philadelphia Water Ice is an Italian ice sold in the Philadelphia area. It is made from fruit, water, and sugar with a smooth texture. The ice can be sold at various food establishments including ice cream shops, restaurants, by street vendors, theme parks, beaches, stadiums, and special events. Eight to sixteen flavors in three sizes works well. Philadelphia Water Ice can be layered with ice cream for a dessert called gelati or topped on ice cream for old fashioned radio balls.
- Profit Margin:
A small cup costs about 35 cents to make and sells for $2, almost 600% profit. A 3-gallon tub costs $5-$8 to produce and sells for about $115. The ice can be shipped if frozen. The name water ice comes from early Italian immigrant recipes brought to Philadelphia, confounding outsiders.
Ownership of Philadelphia Water Ice
The Original Italian Ice – Philadelphia Water Ice Factory opened in summer 1988 in Philadelphia, an instant success with over 40 products. At 8 years old, Chase Anderson runs a Philadelphia Water Ice business with family support. Philadelphia Water Ice Factory has 62 employees and $12.7M annual revenue.
History and Culture of Water Ice
Italian ice is also known as water ice in Philadelphia, similarly derived from Sicilian Granita. Water ice goes by Italian ice elsewhere but in Philadelphia it’ll be water ice. Lack of gluten and fat makes Gelu a healthier dessert choice than ice cream.
Rita’s and the Water Ice Industry
Rita’s opened its first restaurant in 1984 in Pennsylvania where the chain is headquartered, with 540 restaurants in 31 states today. He established his Philadelphia water ice business in 1988 open daily from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Philadelphia Water Ice Factory is a restaurant company headquartered in Washington with 13 employees, specializing in restaurants.