Myrol and Kesha Frazier are making waves in the frozen dessert industry as the first African American owners of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchises in South Carolina. Their success story spans two cities and is quickly becoming a sweet inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Pioneering Black Ownership in South Carolina’s Frozen Dessert Industry
The Fraziers opened their first Jeremiah’s Italian Ice location in Greenville in 2022. This groundbreaking move marked them as the first African Americans to open a franchise location in the state.
Building on their initial success, the couple expanded their business venture. In April 2024, they launched their second location in Simpsonville, solidifying their presence in South Carolina’s frozen dessert market.
From Dream to Reality: The Fraziers’ Journey to Franchise Ownership
Kesha Frazier had long harbored dreams of business ownership. However, the path to realizing this ambition wasn’t immediately clear.
“We were introduced to Jeremiah’s brand by a family friend,” Myrol Frazier explained. After spending a day observing operations at an existing location, the couple was impressed by the lively branding and delicious flavors.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: A Flavorful Addition to South Carolina
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice offers a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of frozen treats. Their menu features authentic Italian Ice, creamy soft ice cream, and gelati, including sugar-free and seasonal options.
The brand’s founder, Jeremy Litwack, expressed excitement about the expansion. “Greenville is a natural destination for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice,” he said in 2022, praising the city’s beauty and warm community.
Expanding Horizons: The Fraziers’ Growing Business Empire
With locations now in both Greenville and Simpsonville, the Fraziers are expanding their business footprint. Their Greenville store, located at 2 Ketron Court, has been serving customers since 2022.
The couple’s success reflects a growing trend. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice launched its franchise program in 2019, leading to hundreds of stores expanding nationwide, including recent openings in North Carolina.
Future Plans and Community Impact
The Fraziers aren’t stopping at just two locations. They have plans to further develop their franchise presence in South Carolina.
Additionally, they’re introducing new offerings to enhance customer experience. Soon, their stores will provide catering services and special “pup cups” for canine companions, expanding their appeal to a wider audience.
