Via Veneto Italian Ice – a Good Choice? Let’s Review

March 17th, 2011 by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Reasons Via Veneto Italian Ice *Might be Right for You.

A lot of people are trying to figure out the best way to jump into the Italian ice business, and for good reason. It can be really profitable. Notice that I didn’t say easy. You have to be willing to put in the time, even if the plan is for it to be a part time gig to supplement your full time job. I think Via Veneto Italian Ice is a good supplier to consider if you’re not ready to make your own.

 

In this post, I’ll provide a review of Via Veneto as a company, as well as Via Veneto’s distribution and marketing strengths. There are a lot of options out there and all these choices can make it hard to decide which way to go. Here are some reasons why I like Via Veneto.

 

  1. They will happily sell you full pallets of Italian Ice, but they also have independent distributors in many parts of the country – primarily the Northeast and Southeast. See the end of this blog for more details. This is a big deal. Paying a little more for a tub of ice, and being able to buy small quantities that are delivered directly to you is a HUGE advantage for most people just starting out. Why? Managing pallet inventories can get tricky and expensive. For one, you have to rent cold storage space in order to stock your water ice (another common term for Italian Ice). In the event there is no local distributor in the market you plan to sell in, then the 4 gallon plastic tubs that Via Veneto uses are a great plus. They protect the product well, and you can see if the product has suffered heat shock and separated. The fact is the tubs will be handled frequently and the plastic tubs are stronger than cardboard. Plus, they’ll last for up to 2 years (they are coded) as long as they are stored properly (zero or below zero).
  2. At Via Veneto, you can actually speak to someone (Jim @ 800-339-6010) who will take the time to talk to you. This can sometimes be tough during busy season, but Jim is a straight shooter – if he can’t walk you through a question, he’ll ask you to give him a call back. Now on to Italian ice carts and what I recommend.

 

The BD6-CE-00 or the BD4-CE-00 are what a lot of folks have been using for Via Veneto product over the past couple of years. Seems to be a perfect cart for those 4 gallon tubs. 3-5 weeks lead time to ship.

 

Keep in mind that this cart does not include a hand washing sink, and your county might require something to that effect. Maybe not….if you tell them Italian ice is water based…you might get away with using a different scoop for each flavor. Meeting health department requirements is your responsibility, so make sure you are clear on what they want.

 

To see a good article on an inexpensive way to try and meet that hand washing station requirement that some states have, click HERE.

 

Nobody will sell you a Nelson cart for lower than we will. Not even if you go to Nelson direct. We guarantee we’ll give the lowest price…period!

 

  • The BD6-CE-00 includes lid locking bar, digital thermostat, umbrella bracket and square glass sneeze guard as well as other standard features. It fits 6 of the Via Veneto tubs on top, 4 in storage underneath
  • The BD4-CE-00 includes lid locking bar, digital thermostat, umbrella bracket and square glass sneeze guard as well as other standard features. It fits 4 of the Via Veneto tubs on top, 2 in storage underneath

 

If you end up needing the sink, you would want the BD6-CE-03. Rita’s Italian Ice Cart with sink Nelson

Rita Cart

BD6-CE-03 Cart with sink pictured above. Also includes optional fold down cash drawer. Add $125 for an umbrella, unless you have a custom umbrella or you will be using a Via Veneto Umbrella.

If you purchase the one we stock, these are whats available: CLICK HERE.  More specs on the Nelson carts below: All Nelson outdoor ice cream pushcarts are manufactured with stainless steel bottoms to minimize the chances of interior corrosion when product is left melted inside the freezer cart. The tops on the Nelson ice cream carts are made of stainless steel with welded corners. All Nelson carts are equipped with the finest cart wheels in the industry- long-lasting, natural rubber wheels with natural UV protection against sunlight that embrittles cheaper wheels All electrically operated Nelson ice cream carts will be ETL or UL listed for outdoor use. All Nelson ice cream carts will be NSF listed for the appropriate use.


All Nelson ice cream pushcarts will have over sized electrical power cords suitable for outdoor use. Lid locks are provided on all ice cream carts as standard equipment. All Nelson ice cream carts have heavy-duty welded aluminum base frames for maximum strength and minimum weight. Nelson carts are standard for ice cream novelty temperatures. Alternate uses, such as carts for Italian ice, water ice, other products can be specified at time of order for other temperatures. Nelson ice cream carts specified for scooping ice cream, for Italian ice or water ice, or for gelato will have digital temperature control to provide precise setting of the desired temperatures.

 

Standard specs for both models:

  • Lid locks standard on all models.
  • Top to be stainless steel, standard. Optional solid surface materials.
  • Base frame to be welded aluminum.
  • All exposed corners welded and polished smooth.
  • Finished exterior with white lexan standard.
  • Wheels to be 6″ diameter (2) swivel w/locks, (2) rigid. Load rating of wheel to be a minimum of 350 lbs. each. Optional 8″ casters available.
  • Interior of cart to be stainless steel, standard.
  • Bottom drain installed for defrost.
  • Carts to have 5 year limited warranty against cold plate failure, insulation failure or internal tubing leaks.
  • Carts to be NSF and ETL listed for outdoor use.
  • 115 volts, optional 220.
  • Sink system requires separate 15 amps of 115v. electric service.

 

Thanks for Reading!

Neil Williams – Presiden of Keyword Farms LLC

877-817-5716

equipment@turnkeyparlor.com