The Colicci journey began back in 1982, when a young Ernie Colicci travelled to England from his native Italy with a dream to sell ice cream and a passion to grow a business. Soon after arriving in England he met a young lady called Josephine, she would later become his wife and together they started the company by purchasing one ice cream van. One van became two and before they knew it the Colicci adventure had truly begun.
Very quickly Ernie & Josephine were providing ice cream vans to the biggest events in the country and gaining respect for their service and quality. By the late 90's they had grown to a fleet of over 20 vans and after one event in Hyde Park they were asked whether they wanted to fill the vacancy for the fixed sites within the Park. This meant selling much more than just ice cream but that didn't phase them. They jumped at the chance and have never looked back!
Today Colicci has grown to an operation of over 30 fixed sites in London's most visited parks with a mixture of cafes, kiosks, restaurants & beautiful vintage ice cream trucks. It's important to us to make things ourselves using only the best ingredients - evidenced in our own dedicated kitchens and bakery. Colicci is still a family business steeped in history and today we believe that every customer should experience the family bond and taste the passion in our food and drink.
Where it all began...
The business began in 1982, with one ice cream van operated by Ernie & Josephine Colicci. Their mission was simple….to sell ice cream and make people happy.
Business is growing...
Having grown the business to a fleet of ice cream vans, they were proudly selling ice cream at the best events in the country. The likes of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot & The British Open Golf.
Breaking into new markets...
Ambitious to grow the business, the husband & wife duo decided to diversify their offering in to food & drink which helped them commence work with The Royal Parks in Hyde Park.
Joining the Royals...
In 2004 and trading under the abbreviated name ECSI, secured a contract with The Royal Parks in London for 12 kiosks across Hyde, St James & Green Park.
Time for a face lift...
With the next generation of family members in full swing the business undergoes a full rebrand to Colicci, winning 2 major café contracts in the process.
Colicci gets baking...
Colicci opens its own dedicated bakery, supplying handmade cakes & pastries to over 30 sites across London.
The family business continues to grow...
Colicci now very much a family business, opens its doors at Westfield Stratford, Dulwich Park, Peckham Rye Park & Kensington Gardens
Colicci takes home the prize...
With its iconic copper roof, Our Westfield unit not only caught the shoppers attention, but also the international judges' panel at RABA. "Our aim was to change the perception of kiosk catering and we definitely achieved that here. It's all about giving people an experience when they buy their cup of coffee."
Building relationships and new cafes...
Colicci successfully renews Hyde, St James & Green Park contract, which includes The Royal Parks first ever, health-focused café at Storey’s Gate police station.
Ritz Corner Kiosk wins a RABDA
Kiosks that were years in the making received the recognition they deserved.
The Serpentine Lido Café & Chiswick Opens its doors
Working alongside Article Design Studio, Colicci undertook 2 major refurbishment projects overhauling the interiors in both iconic buildings.
A year of major events
A year that included more interior refurbishments to cafes was underpinned by the major events of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and London Bridge.
Bushy & Richmond Park get a huge facelift
3 new architectural kiosks were delivered to the suburbs whilst The Pheasantry Café gets a facelift.