Canton Business Spotlight: Giovanni's Ice Cream

Giovanni's Ice Cream is located in the heart of Canton Center.

The walls of are lined with candid photos of all of the shop's customers. Owner Joey Federico said his mother and co-owner Anna is a photo person and likes to take pictures of everyone that comes in, creating what has been dubbed the "Wall of Giovanni's Fame".

Canton Patch sat down with Joey Federico and asked him where the name came from and how the ice cream business is throughout the year.

Canton Patch: When did you open Giovanni's?

Joey Federico: Giovanni's opened in July 2012.

Canton Patch: How did you get into the ice cream business?

Joey Federico: We named the place after my grandfather, Giovanni, who passed away two years ago. He meant so much to our family, and taught us about good work ethic and doing things the right way. He loved to meet new people, as do we, and we thought it would be a perfect tribute.

Canton Patch: What makes Giovanni's different from other ice cream shops?

Joey Federico: I think the quality of ice cream and price separates us. We get our ice cream from Richardson's Farm in Middleton. After trying many places, we think it's the best ice cream around, and they offer so many great and creative flavors. And today it seems like you can't go any place without spending $5-6 for an ice cream. We wanted to offer a place where you can get a good-sized serving for under $4. I think we offer a personal touch-- we are family owned and you will always see me, my mom, or my sister here when you come in.

Canton Patch: How was your first winter?

Joey Federico: Like it is with any ice cream place, it was definitely slower, but we offer things like ice cream cakes for birthdays which people need all year round. We also started doing ice cream cupcakes which have become very popular. We're glad we are able to stay open all year.

Canton Patch: Can you tell us about the many pictures all over your walls?

Joey Federico: We wanted to give our place a local feel and think it is a great way to interact with our customers. Families love to come in and see themselves or other friends and relatives on the wall.

Canton Patch: Do you offer any services for groups and birthdays?

Joey Federico: Yes! Groups can make their own sundaes, and choose from all the ice cream flavors and toppings that we have to offer. We can deliver it to your home or office for no charge. You can always custom order an ice cream cake or ice cream cupcakes as well.

Canton Patch: What are some special things we can expect from Giovanni's this coming summer?

Joey Federico: We will be serving Richie's Italian Ice at the Stoughton and Easton Farmer's Markets this summer. We were able to do this at fundraisers at the Luce School and John F. Kennedy School in Canton last month and raised over $630 for supplies and field trips for the kids. We love to be involved with the town and hope we can do more things like this in the future.

For more information on Giovanni's, call 781-828-2141 or email Federico at joey@giovannisicecream.com. Customers can also visit www.giovannisicecream.com or www.facebook.com/giovannisicecream.