Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices, a family owned business from Iselin, New Jersey, is Italian Ice made the old fashion way. “We have been making our delicious and wholesome Italian Ice since my grandfather Ralph started the business in 1957,” said Michael Maglione Jr. “We do not use automated machinery or high fructose corn syrup when making our ice. We offer a great business opportunity for anyone, regardless of experience, to have fun and make real money with this part time business. Just look what one of our customers has to say.”
“There is an actual letter from a customer, Ed and Karen Hensas in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After two years selling Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices, they came out to New Jersey to meet us and tour the factory,” said Mr. Maglione.
“We originally saw Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices in 2010 in Small Business Opportunities Magazine. We made some calls and did the ‘homework’ for starting the business, but due to other circumstances let the opportunity pass. We both had our regular jobs and continued on. In June of 2013, we were both working for the same company and both lost our jobs at the same time. They way that our jobs were eliminated did not even allow us to collect unemployment.
“Ed had a life insurance policy that we decided to cash in, in order to buy our Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice cart. Since we were a long way from the east coast where Italian Ice is very well known, we ordered a single 3-gallon can of Lemon Ice. First, we wanted to sample it to see that it was authentic and second to try it out at a couple large community gatherings. IT WAS A HIT!
“We sent our money in to place our initial order and received our cart and supplies within a week, and the ice came a few days later. This business has become so successful that it allowed us to pay our bills and keep ourselves going without a regular 9-5 job. It is a seasonal business because of the cold weather and lack of events in our area. We are however booked into a big Christmas Expo which will be held indoors.
“This business has allowed us to keep the household running and help our children when needed. We are looking to get another Little Jimmy’s cart and are even expanding into other types of food that we can sell all year long. This fact is ironic as my husband had mentioned several times (even years ago back in NJ) that we should start some type of food business and I always said no because of too many regulations and health codes. It seems that Italian Ice is pretty much exempt from a lot of the strict health codes in many areas, so it’s the best of both worlds,” said Ed.
Please check the website at italianice.net for additional information about business opportunities and for more info on Little Jimmy’s products. This is real Italian Ice, “imported from New Jersey”. Register on the website to get the company’s business package prices and more information about all the money you can make retailing Italian Ices.
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices is proudly owned by Maglione’s Italian Ice based in Iselin, NJ, since January 17, 2014. Maglione’s Italian Ice was founded by Ralph Maglione Sr. and his wife, Flo, in 1957. They raised the entire family to be a part of the business from their Iselin home–where the business still is headquartered today! And now, the grandkids are celebrating their Italian heritage and learning how to make the delicious, old school, frozen treats! Read more about the Maglione family and the business by visiting maglione-ices.com.
Hi Dennis
Hello from Canada. We finally got started after jumping through many hoops to get licensed in Calgary. We are operating in the downtown core in an area called Stephen Avenue Mall -an outside location. I thought you might want to read a review that was written about us.
Although we have only been operating for a very short time my wife and I have
totally enjoyed all aspects of this business. Your product has been well received with many compliments and the phrase used most often is “very refreshing”.
Children and tourists love getting their pictures taken with their blue and red tongues – its really quite funny to watch.
The cart is amazing and after a full day out in the hot sun we still come back with frozen ice.
See the link below: www.getdown.ca/2012/08/13/little-jimmys-italian-ice
Full Article here:
While watching the final hours of the London Summer Olympics on Stephen Ave, I was able to enjoy a somewhat international treat I had only heard about before and is now available on Stephen Avenue.
While I have had all manner of Popsicles, sno-cones, sorbets, gelatos, and ice
creams, I had never in my 26 years had an Italian ice. Described as being half way between gelato and a sno-cone, Italian ice is a staple of the summertime in cities like New York and New jersey, where a historically dense Italian population gave rise to the treat. Sold either from trucks or push-cart,
the treat has a long history of delighting children on boardwalks, playground, and sporting events.
In addition to being the top frozen treat on the eastern seaboard, Italian Ices have the fortunate distinction of being free of dairy, fat, cholesterol and high fructose corn syrup. That’s right, for those who are sensitive to dairy, or are watching their cholesterol can rest a littler easier knowing that there is a delicious way to beat that heat, that won’t set your stomach in to a tizzy.
The ices come in several flavours including Cherry, Lemon, Blue Raspberry and Green Apple and tou should be able to spot anyone who’s tried these delicious treats on Stephen Avenue by their distinctively brightly coloured tongues like our hosts Victoria and Nicola shown above.
Keep an eye out for Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice on Stephen Avenue (8th ave
between Olympic Plaza and 3rd street SW) for the rest of the summer!
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice sold by Reggio’s Pizza at the Taste of Chicago in the Snacks/Desserts Category– was named a 2011 Humana Healthier Choice-
Less than 320 calories, 300 mg sodium and 2 g saturated fat
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–More Chicago restaurants than ever are committed to providing food options at this year’s Taste of Chicago that are both healthy and delicious. Showing that it is possible for Taste-goers to munch on foods that are low on calories but still high on taste, 20 items from 17 different Chicago restaurants have been designated as Humana Healthier Choices – the most robust listing the program has ever offered.
“When people come to the Taste of Chicago every year, they expect to try lots of Chicago’s best foods and have fun”
For the fourth straight year, Humana (NYSE: HUM) will publish the Humana Healthier Choices food guide for the 2011 Taste of Chicago to showcase low-calorie, healthy appetizers, entrees and desserts available at the festival and direct Taste-goers to the restaurant vendors that are serving the 20 healthy foods. The guide is available for free and can be found at www.humana.com/tasteofchicago, on www.facebook.com/humana.tasteofchicago, or during the Taste at the Humana Senior Dining Pavilion, Humana Race to Taste or from the Healthier Choices Apple Man mascot, who will roam the grounds of Taste. The guide will also be accessible via the official Taste of Chicago application, available for iPhones and Android devices.
“When people come to the Taste of Chicago every year, they expect to try lots of Chicago’s best foods and have fun,” said Deborah Gracey, president of Humana’s Medicare Great Lakes Region. “By mixing health and wellness components into the festival, such as the Humana Healthier Choices guide, Humana Race to Taste and activities at the Humana Senior Pavilion, we are helping Taste-goers realize that it is possible to have fun and be healthy at the same time.”
All of the Humana Healthier Choices meet nutritional calorie, sodium and saturated fat standards established by a panel of top Chicago-area physicians with expertise in nutrition and diet, including Amy Hess-Fischl, MS, RD, dietitian/diabetes educator at The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center; Brian O’Leary, M.D., vice president of DuPage Medical Group; Katherine Tynus, M.D., internal medicine specialist with MacNeal Physicians Group; and, Fredrik Tolin, M.D., vice president for Humana’s Illinois Commercial market. The expert panel reviewed nutritional information provided by the restaurants and identified foods that met the criteria. Each appetizer and dessert has approximately 320 calories, 300 milligrams of sodium and 2 grams of saturated fat or less; each main entrée has approximately 500 calories, 500 milligrams of sodium and 4 grams of saturated fat or less.
All restaurants participating in the 2011 Taste of Chicago were given the opportunity to be considered for the Humana Healthier Choices guide. Humana asked interested restaurants to submit nutritional information for their healthier menu item(s), including calories, sodium content, saturated fat and ingredients, which were then evaluated by the physician panel. Restaurants that did not provide complete information were not reviewed by the physician panel.
“The increased number of Chicago restaurants that applied to be included in this year’s Humana Healthier Choices was wonderful to see, especially given the growth in interest in healthy food options at the festival over the years,” said Dr. Fredrik Tolin.
At the Taste, the Humana Healthier Choices items will be designated with green apples on the menu boards of the participating restaurants. Updates about all of Humana’s offerings at the Taste can be found on the Humana at Taste of Chicago Facebook page (www.facebook.com/humana.tasteofchicago).
20 ) What is Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice?
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices are a water-based, fat-free, dairy-free, and cholesterol-free dessert that is available in a variety of flavors. Little Jimmy’s DOES NOT contain high fructose corn syrup, like most other Italian Ices do. Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice is a true Italian ice which never contains any non-dairy creamer, and often is mistaken for ice cream or sherbet. Our Italian ice is produced in the same family owned factory in Iselin, New Jersey since 1957. Our Italian ice is made the old-fashioned way – one batch at a time.
19) What flavors are available?
Our flavors include: Lemon, Banana, Blueberry, Bubble Gum, Cherry, Chocolate, Coconut, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Peach, Mango, Orange, Pina-Colada, Pineapple, Cotton Candy, Strawberry, and Watermelon. We also make a No Sugar Added Lemon Ice made with Splenda and other artificial sweeteners.
Rainbow is freshly made by mixing the flavors in your cart.
18) Can I choose my own flavors?
On all orders, you are free to pick whatever flavors you would like, in whatever quantities. Our six most popular flavors are Cherry, Blueberry, Lemon, Mango, Pina Colada, and Watermelon.
17) Where is Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice Sold?
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice is made in Iselin New Jersey and is sold factory direct to you. As a retailer, you can sell Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice at malls, stadiums, amusement parks, festivals, fairs, beaches, flea markets, camps, state parks, swim clubs, golf courses, resort hotels, carnivals, zoos, etc. In fact, anywhere there is a gathering or flow of people, there is an opportunity to sell Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice. Simply put, it’s where the people are.
16) Is there any dairy or non-dairy creamer in Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice?
None! All of our flavors are non-dairy water based and blended to a creamy- like consistency. All flavors are fat and cholesterol free. We are a true Italian Ice- We use absolutely no non-dairy creamer in any of our Italian Ices. There is also no High Fructose Corn Syrup which has become a big issue in food and beverages today.
15) How Is Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice packed for shipping?
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices are packed on standard 40 x 48 wood pallets. There is a maximum of 100– 3-gallon containers on a pallet; 60– 5-gallon containers on a pallet. The 3-gallon size is suitable for dipping cabinets inside a store. The 5-gallon size is suitable for pushcarts and mobile truck operations. The pallets are stretch wrapped for shipping strength, ease of unpacking and see-through visibility for quality control. The dimensions of a full pallet of 100- 3-gallon containers are approx. 40 x 48 x 70 high, weighing approx. 2300 lbs. The dimension of a full pallet of 60- 5 gallon containers is approx. 40 x 48 x 69 high, weighing approx. 2200 lbs.
14) How can I sample Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices?
A sample package can be sent overnight packed in dry ice. We do not charge for the Italian ice samples, dry ice or the shipping container. However, we charge $90.00 for the overnight UPS shipping (we will credit you back the sample shipping when you place your first order).
13) How do I pay for my shipment of Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices?
The most convenient and safest way to pay for your order is by credit card. We accept all major cards. We also accept PayPal. All shipments of Italian Ice must be pre-paid. Company checks must clear first. For fastest turnaround we suggest credit cards or PayPal. We also accept wire transfers and certified checks.
12) Where can Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice be delivered to?
The best shipping location is to have your Italian Ice shipped directly to a cold storage facility in your area. This will save you time and money. They will accept your shipment from the trucking company when it arrives and place it in their walk-in freezer. You can keep your product stored there for a monthly fee or you can pay a onetime Cross Dock Fee, they will accept your order and you will have 24- 48 hours to pick it up and bring it to your own location. Just look in your yellow pages for WAREHOUSES-COLD STORAGE or go on-line and Google search for Cold Storage along with your City and State. Then shop for the cold storage facility with the best monthly storage rates and best location to where you live or will be conducting your business. You then can choose to keep two or three 25 cubic chest freezers on premises and transport the Italian Ice directly to your carts or to your freezers. Remember the product needs to be maintained at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cannot find a frozen warehouse facility in your area give us a call and we’ll assist you in finding one.
11) I am a traveling concessionaire. Can I have product delivered?
We can make arrangements to deliver to cold storage warehouses to match your schedule. If you already have frozen storage on your vehicle or concession trailer, Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice can be transported easily from venue to venue.
10) Where I live no one has heard of Italian Ices. How do I know it will sell in my area?
Sampling is the answer– A taste of Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice is all it takes. We also have loads of great ideas and suggestions that we pass down to our vendors free (upon request) after one of our Cart Plans has been purchased.
9) Is Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice the same as Snow Cones and Shaved Ice?
Not even close! Unlike snow cones and shaved ice (ice with syrup poured over the top), Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice is a delicious and refreshing frozen dessert made with pure cane sugar (no high fructose corn syrup as in many other Italian ices) in a natural water base. Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices are whipped frozen in old-fashioned freeze machines. Simply open the can and scoop out the delicious Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices. Nothing to mix or measure and no machines to clean out.
8) Can I use the logo of “Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice?”
Yes, you can use our trademarked name logo, but you must use it in its entirety. Although, you can use the name, you cannot name your company- Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice. You can however say “YOUR COMPANY NAME” featuring Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice. We have logo artwork available.
7) Does Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice control my business operation?
No. Little Jimmy’s is NOT a franchise and we do not control prices, locations. You also do not have to pay any franchise fees or royalties. The only requirement is that you must use Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice if you display the name or any part of the trademarked photos and logos. Little Jimmy’s Italian ice is extremely FLEXIBLE in the way we run our business. If you prefer not to use the pushcarts and instead open up a store using our Italian ice-
YOU CAN DO IT!
If you prefer to just order our Italian ice and nothing else-
YOU CAN DO IT!
If you want to sell our Italian ice from a kiosk/gazebo in a mall or from a trailer-
YOU CAN DO IT!
There are no limitations- This is your own business. You can conduct it any way you wish! If you are looking for help or suggestions along the way we will provide them to you at absolutely no charge.
6) What is the minimum investment for someone to become involved in the Italian Ice business?
There is no minimum order, but we would recommend at least 20 cans if shipped or could be any amount if picked up. Shipping rates are flat rate and determined by the trucking industry. So whether your order 10 cans or 60 cans, the rate will be the same so you want to try to order as many as possible. The 5-gallon cans are $37.50**and the 3-gallon are $26**. We can do up to 60 5-gallon cans or 100 3-gallon cans on a pallet. (**prices subject to change due to ingredient costs)
5) Can I name your Italian ice other than “Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice”? It’s your choice. Most of our customers do use the “Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice” name because of our superior brand recognition and our family friendly image. However, you do have the option to use your own name
4) Does Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice have any signs or POS material?
Yes, we supply free of charge 6 x 6 inch square flavor Point of sale (POS) signs. We also have available colorful, eye-catching umbrellas, A-Frame signs, pleated 3 ounce & 5 ounce paper cups, logo printed 7 ounce plastic cups, and plastic baseball helmets of all the Major League teams.
3) What does my Board of Health need to know about Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice?
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice contains no dairy or non-dairy creamer (which can spoil). They are served frozen, whereby it’s nearly impossible for bacteria to build.
2) I would like to purchase one of your cart plans, but I do not understand how the Italian ice product remains frozen in the cart with no motor, no dry ice or block ice?
The Italian Ice maintains its temperature in the pushcart from the cold released by the other frozen containers that are in the cart. There is no need for the pushcart to be motorized in order to keep the product frozen. Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice is made for our pushcarts and the pushcarts are made for our Italian Ice- a true Italian ice symbiotic relationship! Dry ice will make the Italian ice too hard to scoop, and frozen ice cubes or block ice will actually melt the Italian ice since water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than the freezing temperature of the Italian ice at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal serving temperature for Italian Ice is between 15 and 18 degrees ABOVE zero.
1) What are the most important things to do before I receive my first delivery of Italian Ice?
Purchase Freezers- Have them plugged in and ready to go before you order arrives.
Choose a Cold Storage Facility near Your Home. If you do not have room for chest freezers at your business or location where you plan on conducting your Italian ice operation from, it may be more cost effective to have the Italian ice shipped directly to a cold storage warehouse in your area.
Health Department- Find out from your local municipality if there are any permits or licenses you will need in order to start selling Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices. If you run into any problems or roadblocks along the way, call us and we can help you solve them.
Location, Location, Location- Italian ices, like all products, sell in places where there are people walking by. That’s the great thing about a pushcart; you can move it almost anywhere.
Most important of all – Have Fun!
Although this covers most popular questions, please call 732-283-0705 or email me with any additional questions that you may have.
Michael Maglione, Owner
It’s time for the 2010 Corn Festival. September 16th through September 18th, the fest will be presenting quality arts and crafts, a carnival, a parade, delicious food and loads of special events. The Morganfield Lion Club will be entertaining its visitors with some fun events in this two-day fair. The new events include the Pie Eating Contest and Wiener Dog Race along with pool tournaments.
Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices will be present in the fair with their patented ice cream trucks, snow cone carts and ice carts. Make sure to stop and see us, you will be glad you did!
6/19/2010 Munchin Mike Longo captures Little Jimmy‘s National Italian Ice Eating Championship at Raceway Park NJ
Little Jimmy’s National Italian Ice Eating Championship Event Photos–
Amongst the roar of super hyped engines, Monster Trucks and the typical sounds that accompany the raceway track experience, Munchin Mike Longo captured his second National Eating Championship in two weeks. King George Van Laar, the crafty veteran who lost by a thimble of Italian Ice, rarely gets beat when it comes down to close finish. However, may have underestimated the drive, focus and mental soundness that characterizes US Marine. Munchin Mike Longo, who showed that he is impervious to psychological warfare and that he is absolutely focused and driven when he conducts his mission of becoming one of Americas best Picnic Style Food Warriors. In third place was Ian The Invader Hickman, who was the pre-race favorite, seemed to struggle with his technique and approach, and appeared distracted and slightly confused at times. King George Van Laar one of the great Old School Food Warriors, must be given credit for his spirited come back attempt. The Monarch of Munch went into the final Championship Round trailing Longo by 1.25 Italian Ices and nearly closed the gap at the end. Although The King was disappointed he did not bring the National Ice Eating title to his beloved state of New Jersey, he must still be given the royal treatment and credit for his Herculean effort in the Championship two minute speed round.
***More Pictures and complete story to Follow
Final Standings
1. Munchin Mike Longo 21.75 4lbs 1.25 oz $700
2. King George Van Laar 21.40 4 lbs .20 oz $300
3. Ian The Invader Hickman 19.00 3lbs 9.0 oz. $100
4. Pat The Viper Vivianno 17.40 3lbs 4.2 oz
5. Sweet Jill Stoler 13.50 2lbs 8.5 oz
**Total from Qualifying round are transferred to Championship Speed Round
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Non Qualifiers
6. David Accidental Dave Branin 9
7. Shahira Cha Chi Chiller Morell 8
8. Chris For the Love of Katie Braun 6.25
9. Charlie Two Engines Tapia 6
10. 8. Tony Fast Fingers Fondacaro 5
Chowhound’s Notoriously inaccurate Predictions regarding the Little Jimmy’s National Italian Ice Eating Championship
1. Ian The Invader Hickman Ian will show Rraceway Park & NJ why he holds World Record in several cold food disciplines
2. Munchin Mike Longo This tough marine will give Hickman all he can handle and make this match-up a Food Fight t remember
3. King George Van Laar George will finish in the money. Despite brain freeze, this crafty old veteran who grew up on Little Jimmy’s Ices will do enough to make it to the Winners Circle
4. Pat The Viper Vivianno The viper will have a tough time unleashing his venom in the cold frontier of Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices
5. David Accidental Dave Branin Accidental Dave is no accident. This kid will put on a good show and also raise a few eye brows of several veteran Food Warriors
6. Shahira Cha Chi Chiller Morell Get ready for the Shock & Chill of none other than Cha Chi Chiller Morell (May god help us)
7. Erik King-Viking Pond The King Viking will be Eaten by King George Van Laar for stealing part of his Moniker..It will be gruesome
8. Sweet Jill Stoler The Goddess of Competitive Eating will be no match for the Icy Cold refreshment of a Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice
8. Chris For the Love of Katie Braun Chris will realize that buying flowers for Katie would have been a better option
8. Tony Fast Fingers Fondacaro The things that some men will do to get a free Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice ….unbelievable
9. Charlie Two Engines Tapia Ever since Two Engines started putting Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice in his Car Radiator his life has become rejuvenated.
10. Kathy Lady Latke Tapia She does not eat alot but she has grace, beauty and the desire to sample Americas best Italian Ice Ice Refreshment
The King and The Invader Square Off |
Tony Fast Fingerts Fondacaro, Chris for the Love of Katie Braun & Charlie Two Engines Tapia |
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Battle Ready Food Warriors & Little Jimmy’s Ices |
Its all about little Jimmy’s, friends and Good Times |
Ian attempts to consume the Cookie Monster |
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Lonely Cups: These cups were suffering from heartbreak as they await their long anticipated r-union with the delicious Little Jimmy’s Ices |
No Fat, cholesterol or high Fructose Corn Syrup in this Original-Recipe Italian Ice. This ice is for the the Man, Woman or Kid on the go! |
Several Italian Ices are discussing their predictions regarding the upcoming Little Jimmy’s National Italian Ice Eating Championship.. |
Anthony I got 29 flavors Moore & Dennis The Ice Menace Moore were the Official Scoopmeisters for the Little Jimmy’s, original recipe Italian Ices |
I cant believe they ate all that Italian Ice…. |
Ehab The Iceberg Hanna makes his Competitive Eating debut and represented the Town of Woodbridge NJ with honor |
“Hi Brain Freeze, My name is……… “ |
“I can feel my Grandfather’s spirit in these Ices..”.Tony Fast Fingers Fodacaro has an emotional experience with Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices |
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Dave Accidental Dave Branin: “Ices are fun …” |
The Monarch of Munch: Barely missed top prize by a minuscule amount |
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What makes a Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice Cart Special?
Besides holding four cans of our delicious Italian Ice all day long, they also talk.
Our pushcarts tell stories of entrepreneurs selling Italian Ice and having fun.
Here’s the story of Ross and his pushcart from 4th of July last summer.
You can see more stories by clicking here.
Our carts talk….really!
