Earlier this week, the cherished community favorite, Gina's Italian Ice in Berwyn, has closed its doors for the last time, leaving locals with a bittersweet feeling. For 46 years, the family-owned-and-operated establishment has been an integral part of the community, uniting neighbors and friends over their shared love for the sweet, refreshing treat. Now, as the ice cream machine whirs to a halt, customers are left to bid farewell to a beloved icon.
According to an Instagram post by Gina Tremonte, the shop's owner, "It has been a pleasure serving you. I hope memories of GINA’S make you smile as much as they do for me." Many patrons queued up one last time, waiting patiently in line to have one final taste of their favorite flavors.
NBC 5 Photojournalist Matt Byrne visited the store to get the scoop, as reported in NBC Chicago. Many locals spoke about their experiences and the role Gina's played in the community. Elena Doyle, a longtime patron, reminisced on the experience of "standing in line with all your neighbors outside and getting your favorite flavor."
Doyle further mentioned a fun, local tradition where customers could ask for a "Friendly Gina's" and then take their Italian ice over to the neighboring bar, Friendly Tap, to have it spiked. She stated, "We’re really going to miss Gina’s," according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Mia Moore, who moved to Oak Park three years ago, shared her sadness at the seemingly inevitable end of Gina's, as her 14-year-old daughter had quickly developed a fondness for the Italian ice spot. "We’re definitely just sad to see it leave because we definitely loved going whenever the summer hit," she said.
With an asking price of $850,000 for the business, including the building and ownership, as listed on an online property listing and reported by Chicago Sun-Times,
