Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
This year will be our 98th year in business.
What is your primary product or service?
We sell the finest artisan style homemade Italian Ice.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
It has been in the family all these years, so it just passed from one generation to the other.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
No one can compare to ours as we use real fruit and fruit juices or nectars in our product as well as cane sugar as opposed to corn syrups. While it is more labor intensive to do it this way, the taste says it all.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have the original store here in Elizabeth and our son has a shop in Rockaway Beach, NY, as well as a kiosk in Rockaway Beach on the Boardwalk. We are also considering another spot for this upcoming season.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located at 714 Fourth Avenue in Elizabeth, NJ. We are on the corner of Fourth Avenue and High Street.
What type of payments do you accept?
We are a cash only business.
Which areas do you service?
Customers come from as far away as Little Italy in NY, the Jersey Shore, North Jersey and California. We've had several customers from Italy as well. Most of our customers are from the surrounding towns, Linden, Rahway, Colonia, Woodbridge, Westfield and Cranford, but the majority of our customer base is from all the sections of Elizabeth.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
John and Nancy DiCosmo are the owners.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open from 12:00 to 9:00pm., seven days a week, weather permitting.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
When visitors from Italy come over and tell you that your product is better than those they ever tasted, you know you are keeping to the traditional product we set out to make.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Try to see Christ in everyone you meet.