Richie's Gourmet Italian Ices — Restaurant in Florida

For 28 years, business owner and south Philadelphia native, Richie Child's, has been selling gourmet Italian Ice out of his tiny 150 foot store on Commercial Blvd. Richie came here on a vacation and when he couldn't find a good Italian ice place he decided to move down and open his own. We are all so lucky he did. Richie's is on land owned by a grocery store. For many years it was Albertsons and then a Safeway. When the Safeway was purchased by Publix in 2018, they were going to replace Richie's with a Starbucks. The public rallied and signed a Change.org petition to let Publix know how important Richie was to them and thankfully it is still here and open.

Richies operates as a drive through. The Italian ice they serve is very soft. It is not rocky chunks of ice like you find in a snow cone. They have flavors of ice that they offer all the time like lemon, watermelon, strawberry, cherry, rainbow, and vanilla chip. Cotton candy is their number one seller. My standard order is one scoop pineapple, one scoop coconut for a piña colada treat. I also love the vanilla chip with its real tiny chocolate chips. All of the fruit flavors are packed with chunks of real fruit. They also offer a few limited time flavors. In the past they have included peanut butter and jelly and kiwi. My daughter always loved trying the new flavors. Prices range from $2.50 for a small to $3.75 for a large. This is an economical splurge. In addition to the ices they sell coffee and soft pretzels.

I have been going here for at least 20 years. I took my daughter all throughout her childhood and I have so many memories here. When I was going through chemo the only thing I could keep down and felt like eating was a Richies ice. I especially like to stop on my way back from a day at the beach. Richie is absolutely the nicest guy. I have been served by him many times throughout the years. This place is an iconic South Florida institution. I hope with all of my heart it is here for at least the...

We have been coming here every vacation, everyday of that vacation twice a year, 7 days a week. Sometimes even more than once a day. For the 2 of us that is about 30 visits a year for 5 years. So, about 150 treats we have purchased In that time. Not one time have we left unhappy. Every person that has been working has always been: fast, helpful with flavor choices, very friendly, and most important... clean. Quality never changes from one day, or one year to another.. amazing each time. Also, we travel a lot. We have been to many other Countries as well.. Hands down, this is the best Italian ice we have ever had. My mom is Italian... So, that says a lot. You can probably see by My feedback that I do not leave reviews often.. But, Ritchie's is well worth the time. My fave is the chocolate on chocolate and the cotton candy ice. my hubby, the blueberry ice with vanilla ice cream. My only complaint is... We don't have your shop to go to in Ohio lol. Keep up the great work. We will be there today for our daily treat. Worth every penny. On that note, even thou they are located in a high vacation area there is no problem getting to them and the price for the sizes you get are fair. Also, amazes us to how fast the line moves yet you all never make people...

This mid-day afternoon heat ain't no joke. Already feeling parched, I was in the mood for some refreshing Italian ice but I wanted to get it from someplace I have never been before.

Located along Commercial Blvd, Richie's Gourmet Italian Ices has been a long time staple in the community offering Italian ice in a variety of flavors, as well as gelati, soft serve ice cream, shakes, snacks, and hot & iced coffee. You have the option of ordering at the drive-thru or the walk up window.

The was a friendly male employee who was nice enough to make me a small Italian ice with the following flavors- watermelon, rainbow, and lemon. It looked really yummy, but it was actually really delicious and fruity...this might be the best Italian ice I ever had. Is it possible to give this place 6 stars? I definitely look forward to coming back and try their other Italian ice flavors and their...