Looking into starting an Italian Ice Bus. Have a few Q's......

[workatwill]

Midwest have you setup your business legally yet? Licences? Health Dept? And do you know who you are going to buy your cart and ice from yet? I have done a lot of research on this in the past 2 years so if you need any suggestions I can save you some leg work......take care, Neil in Florida........Good luck to you.

Mr. Neil:
Two buddies and myself are attempting to get into the Italian Ice Business. We would certainly appreciate any info you would be so kind to give us as we really don't want to reinvent the wheel! We are in Tampabay area and have much difficulty with the cities as we try to get occupational licenses. We have to go to State of Fl. which took over 2 weeks for them to call back and then said he would forward us additional paperwork which never arrived. Do we need to incorporate or LLC. Italian ice with bottle of Ice water for the parents are all we really want to sell. Please help and thanks.

[3guysice]

Mr. Neil:
Two buddies and myself are attempting to get into the Italian Ice Business. We would certainly appreciate any info you would be so kind to give us as we really don't want to reinvent the wheel! We are in Tampabay area and have much difficulty with the cities as we try to get occupational licenses. We have to go to State of Fl. which took over 2 weeks for them to call back and then said he would forward us additional paperwork which never arrived. Do we need to incorporate or LLC. Italian ice with bottle of Ice water for the parents are all we really want to sell. Please help and thanks.

I know that this question is actually for Neil and also that Neil probably knows much more than we do regarding Florida vending. I thought that this might help, however, as one of our prospective vendors from Florida gave me a list of his costs in regards to setting up as follows:

mobile vendor permit w/the option to move around-$250
tax receipt aka peddler's license-$61.50
liability insurance roughly-$450
fictitious name registery-$50
LLC-$100
certified food prep manager and book, training, and test-$247

Maybe this can help you.

[Iceman39]

Mr. Neil:
Two buddies and myself are attempting to get into the Italian Ice Business. We would certainly appreciate any info you would be so kind to give us as we really don't want to reinvent the wheel! We are in Tampabay area and have much difficulty with the cities as we try to get occupational licenses. We have to go to State of Fl. which took over 2 weeks for them to call back and then said he would forward us additional paperwork which never arrived. Do we need to incorporate or LLC. Italian ice with bottle of Ice water for the parents are all we really want to sell. Please help and thanks.

That's pretty funny because I am moving back to the Tampa Bay area from Orlando area LOL I'm mostly interested in doing events like Fairs, Festivals, School events, fund raisers etc. From what I gather it can be difficult to find a regular spot to set up a vending cart. Not impossible, just challenging. I know Clearwater doesn't allow any street vending. Some areas allow street vending , others don't. I don't know much more info. than you guys most likely. I keep hearing different things about the commisary requirement. Some say yes you need one others say no. One thing I know for sure for the Health Dept. which is actually the Agricultural Dept. you have to have a sink setup with your cart. I'm still undecided who I'm going to get my ice and cart(s) from. Have a few options, some more startup friendly cost wise. I know there is an italian ice distributor in New Port Richey. Can't go forward yet but maybe by winter time.

[silz86]

hi there new to this and notice not many people are posting in these forums anymore and wanted to try and revive it. I am here in southern California and wanted to start an Italian ice business but clueless on what I need to do, can somebody point me in the right direction or tell me where I should find this information to save me the legwork, and trust me I will not forget your guidance if I succeed.

I want to know what is the first thing I should do before attempting on purchasing a “package” from a company. I am looking to do festivals, events, parties, etc. I spoke to my fathers friend (who has a lot of money) and he is willing to lend me the start up costs. All I have to do is provide him a business proposal on what im trying to do. Where can I get one? If you already have one and are willing to share it with me please let me know and I will pay you for it too, a little bit about myself im 24, married and have a son. Me and my wife are tired of living paycheck to paycheck and want to do something like this.

Has anybody tried doing it here in southern California yet? What proper measures and permits will I need? What are the cost? Like how the user 3guyice broke down the cost, does anybody have that for los angeles? I would so appreciate any help or info. Me and my family will be forever in debt to you if you can help us.

Tony