Jeremiah's Italian Ice opened in Queen Creek on June 8 and immediately, franchise owners Becky and Mark Leonard got involved with community service.
The couple moved to Queen Creek four years ago and wanted to bring something they love to the community.
"We love living here in Queen Creek because of the small town feel," Becky said. "Even though it's growing, we are happy to help build on Queen Creek's success and to keep that small town feel that makes this town special."
Opening in the middle of a pandemic has not impacted their Queen Creek location and Becky says she believes it's because of the community itself.
"People are just desperate for a place to reconnect and COVID took that from us, but in Queen Creek we're conscious of it but we love to celebrate together," she said. "I'll see local moms lounging on our couches in here after the kids have gone to bed to catch up with one another. And we see religious groups gather here on their way to and from events. We truly are the place to gather in Queen Creek."
Before moving to Arizona, the Leonard family lived in Florida, where they first discovered Jeremiah's.
"Jeremiah's has been in Florida for 25 years and just franchised a couple years ago and we jumped on the opportunity because when people would come and visit us in Florida they had two requirements: trips to the beaches/parks and going to Jeremiah's," Becky said. "We're so excited to be able to bring it to Queen Creek."
The couple explained the three products they offer are Italian ice, ice cream and gelati.
"Our Italian ice is very authentic because ours is the Sicilian type," Becky explained. "Our founder lived in Italy and that's where it originates, so we have the real thing. And our ice cream is not just a soft serve, it's creamy and rich, simply to die for decadent. Then we have our gelati, which is layers of Italian ice and ice cream. It's not like anything else you'll get around here."
Community is everything to the Leonard family.
"Our passion is making a difference in the community and we like to say we do that scooping ice cream," Becky said. "We've donated thousands back to the community in fundraising. We love the opportunity Jeremiah's gives us to help others."
She said they'll participate in the town's Trunk or Treat from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 outside the Town Center, 22358 S. Ellsworth Road.
In addition, they'll be hosting their grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 17 at their shop located at the corner of Victoria Lane and South Ellsworth Road. They're calling the event Frogtoberfest at Jeremiah's Ice of Queen Creek.
"To show our community appreciation, we will be scooping up all small, medium and large treats half off, all weekend long," Becky said, adding that the sweet perks don't stop there. "We will be featuring a giveaway of an entire year of free ice for one guest who checks into their J-List Rewards app during the celebration. Plus, enjoy live music from local artists, snap pictures at our photo booth, and more."
Everyone that purchases a treat and checks in on the J-List rewards app or tags @jeremiahsiceaz in their photo on Instagram will be entered into a drawing for Jeremiah’s gift cards and other prizes. The event is open to the public and no purchase is required. They'll be offering free samples from their menu of more than 40 flavors of house-made Italian ice, soft serve ice cream and gelati. Customers can also add "Layer-Ins of Oreo Cookie Crumbles, Cookie Butter Crumbles or Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips."
Jeremiah's Italian Ice is located at 20784 E. Victoria Lane, Suite 107. Follow their page "to get the scoop on the new location and #LiveLifeToTheCoolest with us!"
