Client Spotlight: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Founded in 1996 with the first location in Winter Park, Florida, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has grown to become a major force in the frozen dessert market, building a passionate following across 32 locations. After 23 years of perfecting the brand, 18 months ago Jeremiah’s launched a franchise program that has grown the reach of the company's delicious treats across the United States; and they are just getting started!

Jeremiah’s was founded by current CEO Jeremy Litwack, whose passion for frozen treats began in high school and grew to fruition after college. With an unwavering commitment to quality and flavor, he developed his own techniques and recipes to create an indulgent and refreshing Italian Ice product that continues to this day to be unsurpassed. The product remains a superstar, but Jeremy attributes the company’s business success to being nimble, flexible, open-minded, and to holding tight to their core values: BE cool, bold, vibrant, genuine, generous, and strategic.

The company has continued to "Live Life to the Coolest" despite the challenges faced during 2020, and they are thankful to be able to serve as a comforting and familiar bright spot for guests during uncertain times. Throughout the pandemic, they leaned heavily on Jeremiah’s To-Go, a trio of off-premises channels including carryout, delivery by UberEats and DoorDash, and drive-thru where available. The company remained resilient in the face of exceptional uncertainty and difficulties. Through their resiliency, they were able to award 101 units among 35 franchisee groups and open 10 new franchise locations, including firsts in Arizona, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina. In the company’s home state of Florida, a franchisee opened the first non-traditional location inside of a gas station convenience store.

Jeremiah’s generosity also shined in 2020. The company donated 23,000 free small item vouchers to the Orlando Health System as a giveback campaign for their staff who had given so much personally during the pandemic. They also donated more than 150,000 Sweet Incentives (small item vouchers) to local school systems to help teachers engage and motivate their students by incentivizing what is most important within their classrooms.

For 2021, the company is targeting 35 openings, and continuing to expand its footprint outside of Florida with additional units targeted in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and the first shop in Louisiana. Jeremiah's will also make its debut in Arvada, Colorado inside the Freedom Street Social Food Hall, which is expected to open in the summer.

ShuffieldLowman has served as legal counsel to Jeremiah's for corporate law, securities, intellectual property, and litigation matters. For more information on Jeremiah's visit their website here: https://jeremiahsice.com/.