Business & Tech
Beat the Summer Heat with an Authentic Italian Treat
The family-owned and -operated business brings real deal Italian ice to Riverview.
The secret is out and customers are raving about Morelli’s Italian Ice, which opened its doors only five months ago in Riverview. Offering an array of authentic Italian ice flavors, Morelli’s Italian Ice has customers returning again and again to indulge in this smooth, sweet and refreshing treat.
Nestled behind Regions Bank in the Winthrop Town Centre, this small shop owned and operated by New York native Joseph Morelli and his family is proving to be quite the hidden gem.
“When you have folks come in from Brooklyn and Queens and tell you that your Italian ice takes them back to their childhood, you know you are doing something right,” said Morelli.
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Most Floridians think of Italian ice as chopped up ice with flavored syrup squirted on top that eventually sinks to the bottom. Authentic Italian ice is different. It is a blended water-based product infused with flavor and similar to the consistency of ice cream but without the associated fat or cholesterol that comes from dairy, making it a healthier option.
With 24 flavors of Italian ice to choose from, the decision can be difficult. Luckily, the shop offers free samples and a variety of sizes ranging from small to party-size at affordable prices.
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“Even though times are tough [economically], a family of four can still come in for a treat on a hot day and feel good about what they just bought,” said Morelli.
The folks at Morelli’s Italian Ice are also active members in the community. They sponsor N Zone Sports which operates sports leagues, camps and programs for youths ages 3 to 14. They also enjoy delivering their Italian ice treats to assisted living homes and will be participating in Spring Fest presented by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce on May 22.
“I am always out in the community looking for new ways we can stay involved,” said Morelli.
Morelli’s Italian Ice is open from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours will be extended during the summer.
