If you live, attend school, or work in the Oak Park/Berwyn area, chances are that you’ve heard of Gina’s Italian Ice. Established in 1977, it’s an especially unique kind of shop for a multitude of reasons, or at least, that’s what I had heard. After nearly 50 years, though, the local legendary Italian Ice and Ice Cream shop will be closing its doors on Sunday, September 24. On September 7th, I was given the opportunity to stop by and get to know the place before they finally closed for good. This was the first time I had ever tried it, and everything I had previously heard about it from friends and family gave me fairly high expectations. Needless to say, I was not disappointed, as both the product and the people were incredible.
When I stopped by, I talked to the son of Gina, Patrick, and a young girl working there, who had been going there since she was little. She said that she used to go all the time with her parents, and that her parents used to go with their parents! When I had then gone to talk to a customer to ask about her experience at Gina’s, she said that she had also been going since she was a child with her parents. Based on those two encounters alone, there is one major theme when talking to people here: there is a clear ‘family’ aspect to this place that you just can’t find at any other shop in Oak Park. Everything about Gina’s is very humble, down to earth, and overall just happy to be there. From someone who lives by some of the best Italian shops in Chicago, there is rarely ever as big of a customer-worker connection as here at Gina’s.
Although there are many other places in Chicago that do the same thing as they do, there truly will never be another place like Gina’s. The aspect of family, friendship, and love that can never be replaced. While most shops in this genre just serve you good food, the people at Gina’s go the extra mile, with not only serving high quality food, but creating a bond with its customers that lives on forever. I think I speak for everyone when I say that Gina’s will truly be missed, but will never be forgotten.
P.S.
The mint chocolate chip ice cream is unbelievable
