Chet's Italian Ice a Hit in Granby, East Granby and Throughout the State

Chet’s Italian Ice has become a popular choice for visitors to farmers markets in Granby, East Granby and beyond this summer as the all-natural frozen treat has found its niche at community-oriented marketplaces throughout Connecticut.

Owner Chet DiMauro makes his product in New Britain but sends his wares across the state to various events including the above-mentioned farmers markets, festivals, fairs, celebrations and corporate functions. More often than not, DiMauro had a line of eager customers waiting to taste some fresh Italian ice or bring home a pint at the East Granby Farmers Market Wednesday.

The two standards of DiMauro’s business are his strawberry and lemon flavors, among a host of others including mango, coconut and limeade, “funky flavors” including tomato sorbet and lemon basil – with ingredients sourced from farms in the New Britain area – and seasonal treats, among them pumpkin, pear cardamom and pomegranate in the fall.

“I like it,” DiMauro said of his seven-year-old business. “I can be creative. The sky is the limit.”

DiMauro holds a bachelor of science degree in food service entrepreneurship, which has helped guide his operation. While he truly enjoys being his own boss and working for himself, he recognizes the realities of that situation. DiMauro has to purchase his own health insurance, effectively listen and respond to his customers and supervise all aspects of the business.

DiMauro said his work brings back fond memories of going to the beach with his mother and cooling off with a lemon ice. He combined those recollections of summer days with his education and experience as a pastry chef and crafter of deserts, including five years at Connecticut’s two casinos and a variety of three-star restaurants, hotels and resorts.

When DiMauro tired of the long hours and commute at the casinos he decided to go into business for himself. Noticing a lack of traditional, high quality Italian ice for sale, he thought back to happy memories from his childhood.

“Why not do lemon ice?” he had asked himself, noting that the desert is relatively healthy and very refreshing.

Chet’s Italian Ice is free of cholesterol, dairy products and fat and is vegan friendly. Additionally, the ice is much more forgiving than ice cream when it comes to staying frozen – customers can get some Italian ice to go without rushing back home to make sure it stays completely frozen.

To make the product, DiMauro starts with only three ingredients (with additions or changes based on the flavor); lemon, cane sugar and water. The frozen treat is made in batch freezers, which are similar to ice cream makers. The ingredients churn and mix together, ending the process in two-and-a-half gallon pails.

For more information about Chet’s Italian Ice, visit the company website.