Repicci’s Real Italian is a mobile dessert franchise that offers authentic Italian ice, gelato, roasted coffee, hot chocolate, and specialty teas. The brand’s origins date back to 1911 when Dominic Francesco Repicci emigrated from Messina, Italy, bringing his family’s traditional Italian ice recipe to South Philadelphia.

In its modern form, the company was founded in 1998 by Dominic’s grandson, Frank Repici, who established a manufacturing plant in Tennessee.

The franchise division, Repicci’s Franchising LLC, began operations in 2005. It initially featured seasonal tents before evolving into a mobile food-truck model in 2014. Today, the company is headquartered in Hoover, Alabama, and supports franchisees across the United States.

Repicci’s stands out for its mobile-first concept, allowing franchisees to bring Italian desserts directly to customers at events, fairs, weddings, and community gatherings. This model provides flexibility, low overhead costs, and access to high-traffic venues.

Training

Repicci’s Franchising, LLC offers a comprehensive training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared before launching their mobile business. Below is a breakdown of the training and support offered:

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees and up to two additional individuals (typically a manager) receive training at no additional cost. The program includes 16 hours of classroom training and 12 hours of on-the-job training. Topics covered include administration, marketing, operations, event setup, and equipment handling.
2. Training Locations
   Classroom instruction is conducted virtually, while on-the-job training occurs either in Atlanta, GA or another agreed location. Some modules, such as equipment training, require in-person attendance.
3. Training Staff and Materials
   The training team includes experienced professionals with a combined 77+ years in the Italian Ice and frozen confection industry. Materials include a training manual, operations manual, instructional videos, and hands-on exercises. Training is scheduled as needed to ensure completion prior to business launch.

Territory Protection

Repicci’s Franchising, LLC grants franchisees a Designated Territory with a minimum population of 200,000, within which it won’t license or operate another outlet, provided the franchisee remains compliant. However, failure to meet annual product purchase quotas can result in losing territory rights.

Despite this, the franchisor may still distribute products within the territory through fundraisers, contractors, or national accounts. Franchisees aren’t entitled to revenue from these sales but may be offered the opportunity to fulfill certain contracts at the franchisor’s discretion.