Last October the Rosati Ice team traveled to San Antonio, Texas for The Ice Cream Association (formerly IAICDV) Conference. Since IAICDV was a mouthful (but created some really funny videos), the International Association of Ice Cream Distributors and Vendors did some soul searching. The talented marketing and social media committees worked together to create a new logo as well as the new name… TICA. The Ice Cream Association, was a more simple and to-the- point name for this Fifty-four year old organization. Guess what? Everyone liked it.
You can guess that ice cream (and Italian ice) are all about fun. Ice Cream and frozen desserts are always staples at birthdays, graduations, picnics, community events and more. All fun stuff, right? Smiles all around. You can imagine that the Conferences are terrific. Not only because of the delicious treats and special products you can taste and enjoy. It’s really all about the people. You can feel the connection.
The business owners and reps for these member Ice cream, Italian ice, cold storage, refrigerated transportation, and equipment companies are good, decent, people. The organization has been around for over 50 years and many of the members have been in the business almost that long. The relationships which have been built and sustained are treasured. Everyone is having a wonderful time. Meeting for drinks after the show, participating in the networking cocktail hour, dancing with an illuminated robot on the lawn at an evening banquet.
These annual gatherings are not only about the meetings, the informational presentations, the banquets, or the product show. It’s also about the recognition of present and past presidents and leaders. And this year it was also about adding a few individuals to the Ice Cream Association Hall of Fame! There were some tears in the room as the story and legacy of one individual was told. Unfortunately, Michael passed away from ALS. He was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame and his story brought tears to many in that room. Michael was indeed a giver who never felt sorry for himself, but who worked as long as he was able, with a glad heart. There was lots of love in that room hearing Michael’s story and recognizing his life well led.
It’s always so good to see Matt Bauerhaus, the amazing and talented videographer for the Conference. Matt’s company, Editing Life is based in Maryland. Here’s a short video clip of Rich Trotter and Joe Ritinski’s intro video for our booth. Matt is not only a talented photographer/videographer, but an interesting and fun individual. Our Rosati Ice team truly enjoyed meeting fellow distributors and vendors while reconnecting with old friends and customers of America’s First and the World’s best Italian Ice company. Maybe we’ll see you at TICE in 2025?
3601 E Joppa Rd, Baltimore, MD
410-931-8100
Who doesn’t enjoy going to a scoop shop, especially during the summer. The minute you walk in, it’s magical, with the bright, cheerful colors and the flavorful selections. And how about that cool vibe? The shiny glass freezers encourage you to peek inside. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time choosing, as they all look oh so delicious.
Rosati’s newest scoop shop owner, Tracey Lipps, grew up in Hart, Michigan and purchased it six years ago from her in-laws, who owned the legendary shop since 1995. Since Tracey has always worked there, she knows the business, the customers, and the community.
While the scoop shop is relatively small, only 400 sq.ft., it makes a large impact by creating memories for the community and tourists with its lakeside location and Tracey’s creations.
Rosati Italian ice Quenches their Thirst and Their Taste Buds!
Tracey thrives on creating new concoctions. Imagine enjoying her “banana flutter nutter sundae. (You had me at banana!) It’s banana pudding ice cream with peanut butter sauce, whipped cream and a cherry” according to her facebook post.
Along with her passion, their location is definitely an asset. This quaint shop is near Silver Lake Sand Dunes and their customers stop in for a refreshing treat to cool off. Rosati Italian ice quenches their thirst and their taste buds!
So how did Rosati Ice’s cups get in Hart Dairy Delight? It’s a matter of channels of distribution. In March 2020, (right before the shutdowns) Rich Trotter, owner, Rosati Ice, participated in a food show with the folks at Cedar Crest Dairy. Their buyers immediately knew a good thing when they tasted Rosati’s full flavor Italian ice and ordered Rosati Ice in 2.5-gallon tubs, 6-ounce and 10-ounce grab-n-go cups.
Cedar Crest’s sales rep contacted Tracey about adding a dairy-free, nut-free frozen dessert option to her menu of soft and hard serve ice cream. “I like Rosati’s smoothness. It’s a great product. Rosati Italian ice fills a niche, since I don’t have room for a slushee machine,” claims Tracey.
Last season, Tracey added Rosati Ice’s 10-ounce cups in American Hero (strawberry lemonade) and mango, and she will do so this season. “It takes a full season to get the word out about a new item. Everyone that tried Rosati Italian Ice liked it! This spring, my customers started asking for Rosati Ice when I opened up for the season.”
Unbeknownst to many folks, the proceeds from the sale of Rosati’s American Hero cups go to support the mission of Soldier Strong – “helping veterans take their next steps forward in life.” This appealed to Tracey and resonated with her customers, so she proudly displayed our American Hero decal in her shop’s window. Why? Like us, Tracey supports a noteworthy cause – Operation Gratitude. According to their web site, their mission is “to forge bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder Heroes …”
If you are like me and wonder what scoop shop owners do during their “off’ season, I couldn’t resist asking Tracey. She is involved with the Hart Economic & Redevelopment Team and books bands for the nearby park for their “Music on the Commons” events.
With all that this working mom does, I guess you could say Tracey is the “hart” and soul of her scoop shop and her beloved hometown.
Hart Dairy Delight
206 E. Main Street
Hart, MI 49420
231-742-1498
Like them on facebook: @HartDairyDelight