ITALIAN ICE - START YOUR OWN business
For five decades, I led Emery Thompson Batch Freezers.
Today, I’m consulting for anyone interested in launching a frozen dessert venture—from classic New York Italian ices and Philadelphia water ices to sugar‑free varieties, boozy hard ice cream, and other frozen treats. I’ll help you get your business started swiftly and affordably, and remain available to answer any questions you have about product creation or equipment maintenance. I offer my services free of charge to first responders.
Over 123 years ago, Steve Thompson’s family pioneered the frozen dessert industry. His grandfather, Emery Thompson, invented and patented the world’s first mechanized machine for making frozen desserts—an innovation that paved the way for every other company in the field, all of which came years later with variations on Emery’s original design.
Steve began his own journey in 1967. While his friends spent their summers surfing, he was hard at work on the assembly line in the family’s Bronx, NY factory. From there, he rose through the ranks—first as Sales Manager, then Vice President—before ultimately purchasing the company from his family. In 2004, Steve and Paula sold the Bronx factory to the New York Yankees, who converted it into a parking garage, and relocated operations to sunny Florida.
In 2024, Emery Thompson was acquired by Middleby Corporation, another iconic American company. Today, Steve has launched three unique ventures within the frozen dessert industry.
Steve Thompson Consulting – advising businesses in the frozen dessert industry.
First Responders’ Frozen Desserts – helping first responders launch their own Italian Ice businesses.
Steffano’s Brooklyn Ice – producing and wholesaling Italian Ice throughout Florida.
We love sharing our ice cream with the community! We offer catering services for events of all sizes, and can create custom flavors and toppings to match any theme.