PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A West Philadelphia entrepreneur has brought a Philadelphia favorite to Disneyland, making history in the process.<\/p>\n
Lemier Mitchell’s Happy Ice began serving water ice at Disneyland on Juneteenth this year, becoming the resort’s first Black-owned dessert shop.<\/p>\n
“I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Never in a million years did I think that I would have a company that is partnered with Disneyland,” Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
Happy Ice started as a food truck before gaining attention through a successful pop-up at the park in 2021.<\/p>\n
Mitchell said those early appearances led to discussions about opening a permanent location. The menu features traditional water ice as well as “Joy-lati” treats made with layers of Italian ice, sweet cream and fresh fruit.<\/p>\n
For Mitchell, 34, the venture represents more than business success.<\/p>\n
Growing up along the 52nd Street corridor in West Philadelphia, he said he hopes to provide a different example for young people.<\/p>\n
“I grew up on 52nd Street, so it’s also a rough area, a rough neighborhood in West Philadelphia,” Mitchell said. “So where we come from, we don’t see anyone that’s doing what I’m doing. We really typically see a lot of drugs and violence and things like that.”<\/p>\n
Mitchell said his goal is to make partnerships, like his company’s relationship with Disneyland, more common.<\/p>\n
“I want to make this a norm. I want it to be normal for us to partner with Disney,” he said.<\/p>\n
Since opening at Disneyland, Happy Ice has surpassed projections, according to Mitchell.<\/p>\n
He said he once planned to become a tattoo artist, but after having his two daughters, he chose a different path, ultimately bringing a taste of Philadelphia’s water ice tradition to Southern California.<\/p>\n
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