New Port Richey

Italian Ice Concept Opening Brick and Mortar in New Port Richey

Mr. Beav Italian Ice will feature more than 20 house-made flavors.

Image from Mr. Beav Italian Ice on Facebook

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL - Mr. Beav Italian Ice is targeting an opening within the next two to three weeks at 4038 Madison St, New Port Richey, FL 34652, owner Dave Bennerman told Business Debut.

The concept was created in honor of Bennerman’s late mother, who passed away in December 2023. “When I was young, my mom would take my sister and I to church and then for ice cream,” he told Business Debut. “That bonding time was impactful in my life.”

After her passing, Bennerman said he felt called to build something meaningful. “God dropped it in my spirit to do something to honor my mother,” he told Business Debut. The name Mr. Beav, short for beaver, reflects that purpose. “Beavers are builders. Not only is Mr. B about building relationships, it’s about building community.”

What to Expect

Mr. Beav Italian Ice will operate as a counter service shop with no indoor seating.

Guests will order at the front counter from a menu board featuring a wide range of Italian ice options. The space is designed to feel bright and relaxed, with an island inspired atmosphere. “When you walk in, you want to feel like you’re on vacation,” Bennerman told Business Debut.

Bennerman said the space will carry an island inspired feel. “When you walk in, you want to feel like you’re on vacation,” he told Business Debut. After launching as a food trailer at local events, the family is now expanding into its first brick and mortar shop in New Port Richey.

The menu will feature more than 20 flavors of house-made Italian ice, including cherry, mango, blue razz, cotton candy, and watermelon.

Cream ice options such as coconut cream and orange and cream will also be available, all dairy-free. “The cream ice tastes better than ice cream,” Bennerman told Business Debut.

Specialty offerings will include mangonada, key lime pie, berry dream, and cocoa lava. Freshly squeezed lemonade, pretzels, and a blended “chill and shake” drink will round out the menu.

Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Bennerman said his early memories of enjoying Italian ice from Jimmy’s Italian Ice helped shape the concept. “I would call my mother and say, ‘Mom, the ice man is coming,’” he told Business Debut. “That just stayed with me.”

After losing his mother in December 2023, Bennerman said he felt called to create something that honored those childhood moments. “God dropped it in my spirit to do something to honor my mother,” he told Business Debut.

He operates the business alongside his wife, Rosalyn “Roz” Bennerman, and their son, Terrell Bennerman. The family has served customers at community events since 2025, including the Tangerine Festival in Brooksville.

“The look on the kids’ faces is priceless,” Bennerman told Business Debut. “You see the parent and the child engaging one another. You can’t put a price on that.”

He also credited mentor Chef Ken for helping guide the family through the brick and mortar process. “He pulled me and my wife to the side and really mentored us,” Bennerman told Business Debut. “He’s truly been a blessing to us.”