The History of Jeremiah's Italian Ice

Our Italian Ice Franchise is Living Life to the Coolest

Jeremiah's Italian Ice started with a simple belief. Cool, delicious treats make people happier, and happier people build stronger communities. Three decades and thousands of Frog Squad members later, this belief still drives every new location, every new flavor, and every new owner who brings Jeremiah's home to their neighborhood.

From Jeremy’s first push cart in Philadelphia to stores stretching across the country, the mission has stayed the same. Bring people together over something cold, colorful, delicious, and unique. Keep the vibe playful and the treats unforgettable. Grow one Sweet Spot, one franchisee, and one Frog Squad at a time.

If you want to Live Life to the Coolest, Jeremiah's may be the right fit for you.

How we got here

1988 1993 - 1994 1996 1997 - 2018 2019 - 2024 2025 & Beyond

In 1988, a high school student named Jeremy Litwack set up store outside the Philadelphia Mint, selling refreshing, authentic Italian Ice to passersby. There was no business plan and no funding, only a hunch that people would love something one-of-a-kind. The idea for Jeremiah's took root right there on the sidewalk.

Over the next several years, Jeremy studied the finer points of the frozen dessert craft and set his sights on something bigger than a push cart. He was committed to bringing authentic Italian Ice to a region that had never tasted anything as smooth and delicious as his, and he was not interested in doing things halfway. Every batch became a test, and every test sharpened the recipe.

Armed with little more than a map and a highlighter, Jeremy traded the frozen north for sunny Florida and started scouting sites one by one. The search ended in Winter Park, where the perfect spot was found.

But what to call it? Jeremy's mom had a favorite nickname for him, Jeremiah, and since she was also his biggest supporter, the name stuck. The First Jeremiah's Italian Ice opened its doors in 1996, introducing a whole new region to treats unlike anything they’d tasted before.

Over the next two decades, Jeremiah's built a passionate following one store at a time. Five-star service, bold flavors, flavorful guest experiences, and a delicious treat drove growth long before a single franchise agreement existed. Word of mouth did the heavy lifting.

Franchising launched in 2019, and momentum followed fast. Jeremiah's quickly awarded over one hundred units, landed a spot on the Franchise Times Fast and Serious List, and earned a place on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for three years running. Cool treats and a clear plan travel well together.

Today, the Frog Squad keeps getting bigger, one grand opening at a time, and the mission has not changed since day one. Cool treats, warm community, and a “Frogma” everyone can get behind carry Jeremiah's into its next era. New owners keep joining the story, each one adding a new store and a fresh reason for their neighborhood to hop by.

What Life is Like with
Jeremiah’s Ice

Hear from franchisees who brought the Culture of Cool to their communities.

“I enjoy owning a Jeremiah's Italian Ice because it gives me the opportunity to build a business that's fun, family friendly, and genuinely connected to the community. There's something rewarding about creating a place where people come to celebrate, make memories, and leave happier than when they walked in. Being able to grow a business while having that kind of impact on people is what makes being a Jeremiah's franchise owner special to me.”

- Cody Loveland, LSU North Gate & East Baton Rouge, LA
“Owning a Jeremiah's Italian Ice franchise means so much more to me than simply owning a business. I love seeing familiar faces walk through our doors, watching families create memories together and knowing that our team can make someone's day a little brighter. The most rewarding part of ownership is building relationships with our team and community while creating something I can be proud of for years to come!”

- Vann Spears, Albemarle & Locust, NC
“I genuinely enjoy being a Jeremiah's Italian Ice franchisee because it allows me to build a thriving business while bringing joy to my community! The vibrant environment makes each day fun and highly rewarding. It's an incredible feeling to lead a business where the product and culture create so many smiles!”

- Steven Dubberly, Keller & Saginaw, TX

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An Award-Winning Dessert Franchise

While we tend to stay humble, it is hard not to celebrate the accolades our brand has earned along the way.

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Why Us

Write Your Own Chapter

Every chapter of the Jeremiah's story began with someone willing to bet on cool treats and good people. The next chapter starts now, and we are looking for someone ready to add their name to ours. Bring the energy, bring the community spirit, and help keep the Culture of Cool growing in neighborhoods that have not met Jeremiah's yet.

Want us to become part of your future? We’d like that. Request more information today!

Bring Jeremiah’s Ice to the Neighborhood

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