Family, Philly & Flavor
Jodi's Italian Ice Factory is a family operated group of Italian Ice stores, headquartered in Hammond, IN. We currently operate 2 stores in Northwest Indiana: One in Hammond and another in Whiting. A 3rd store is set to open in Munster, sometime in April, 2016.
Jodi's was started by myself, Brian Tillman, and my wife, Jodi. 2 of our children, Corey and Jesse, are also part owners and manage the stores with us.
How did it all begin? Here is our story. I came up with the idea for the stores, by accident. I'm a Philadelphia native, who grew up on Italian ice, or as we called it, "water ice." I really just wanted to have the ability to get some Italian Ice without driving into Chicago. Well, after some time of driving from our home in Indiana into the city to get my fix, Jodi stepped in and flexed her culinary muscles and created her own recipes for authentic, Philadelphia-style Italian ice. It turned out that her ice was way better than anything we were driving to buy. So, after some encouraging feedback from Church members, family, and friends, Jodi's Italian Ice Factory was launched in April of 2014.
Since launching, we've developed a tremendously loyal customer base drawn to our over 130 flavor choices and friendly style of serving patrons. Our success has garnered us considerable press coverage and respect from Italian ice aficionados, that routinely come from up to an hour away.
With plans to continue expanding in the Midwest, while developing a strong southern US presence, Jodi's is poised to become a national brand. We hope to achieve this while maintaing the highest standards of customer care and product quality for which we are known.
Brian Tillman
Owner, Jodi's Italian Ice