Read Our Story

The Origin

Once upon a time, in a town full of peaches and snow called Grand Junction, CO, Gelu Italian Ice came to life in January 2013. Armed with cherished recipes passed down through generations, a single-batch freezer, and two pushcarts, Gelu ventured into the market, capturing the hearts of the locals through the magic of taste. Our story began with a marketing plan crafted on the generosity of free samples — so popular that our employees were nearly trampled in the frenzy!

Italian ice truck

Growing, But No Pains!

As the years danced on, one batch freezer multiplied into two, and production pirouetted at a dazzling pace! The two little green carts multiplied to six, and with twice as many employees in the mix, Gelu seemed to sprinkle its enchantment everywhere. Yet, this was not enough for the Gelunatics, who yearned for more of our magical concoctions.

In the summer of 2015, Gelu blossomed again as “The Shack” opened its doors. Boasting over 20 Italian ice flavors, The Shack became the town's sweet sanctuary. Locals could now indulge in their daily dose of dairy-free perfection. The love was so sweet that they crowned Gelu the BEST in The Dessert Election for four consecutive years.

Making Moves

After years of spending Colorado winters in hibernation, we made a pivotal decision in January 2019. The call of beaches, palm trees, and yes, scorching hot weather beckoned, and off we went. Texas, with its charm, won our hearts; it was the perfect stage to showcase our carts. Tasting thousands of Gelu samples, Texans quickly became Gelunatics too! Now, we call Houston, Waco, and Maybank our home sweet home, and for this, we extend our heartfelt thanks to YOU, our cherished Gelu family.

Italian ice in a cup
Ice cream tubs

A Scoop of Entrepreneurship

The Gelu magic isn't confined to our frozen Italian desserts; it's an entrepreneurial spirit that we invite you to embrace. If the dream of opening a franchise and starting your own business has been tugging at your heart, Gelu offers more than just a scoop of deliciousness — it's an opportunity to sculpt your path in the world of sweet ventures.

At Gelu, we extend an invitation to join our ever-growing family. As a Gelu licensee, you seamlessly integrate into the warmth of our community. Becoming a Gelu licensee allows you to open a franchise and create a haven for sweet moments in your community. We provide the recipe for success, offering training on the Gelu frozen Italian ice process, from flavoring to quality control and customer service. Join us in crafting this delightful dessert for our beloved customers.

Flavors That Dance on Your Tongue

Every flavor at Gelu is a celebration — a symphony of tastes that resonate with the desires of our community. From the classic to the adventurous, Gelu's flavor palette invites you to savor moments that transcend the ordinary. It's not just about indulgence; it's about crafting memories that linger on the taste buds and in the heart.

Starting the process with fine ingredients like fresh fruits, premium juices, natural purees, and specially crafted flavorings, our local Italian ice franchises always craft their signature sweet treats to perfection. With over 30 mouth-watering options, each flavor is a labor of love. Our commitment to using the best ingredients ensures an authentic taste and the refreshing goodness of Italian water ice in every spoonful.

Scooping Italian ice into cup

A Future as Sweet as Gelu

What’s next for Gelu, you ask? The magic is still brewing, and we can promise you it will be big!