Happy Ice, a Los Angeles-based Black-owned Italian ice brand founded by Lemeir Mitchell, officially opened at the Downtown Disney District on June 19, marking the first permanent Black-owned dessert company at the venue. The timing coincides with Juneteenth, a choice the brand says reflects its core values of celebrating progress, joy, and community. To mark the opening, the first 50 guests received a Happy Ice T-shirt, with the next 50 receiving tote bags. The cart operates daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Menu Focus on All-Natural Ingredients Happy Ice's menu features handcrafted
Philadelphia water ice made with real fruit, pure cane sugar, and premium ingredients. A signature item is the JOY-LATI, a layered dessert combining Italian ice, vanilla sweet cream, sauces, and fresh fruit. Flavor offerings include Banana Pudding and Strawberry Shortcake.
Why It Matters The opening represents a rare foothold for
a Black-owned dessert brand in a major entertainment district, signaling Disney's ongoing efforts to diversify its food and beverage vendor base. For operators, Happy Ice's success with premium Italian ice and handcrafted frozen desserts underscores sustained consumer demand for elevated, ingredient-forward frozen treats.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
