About Nucci's

The Nucci's Team:
First row left to right: Connie Hovis, Erin Hovis, Morgan Hovis and Sarah Hovis (niece). Back row: Ben Hovis, Steve Hovis, Carmen Esposito (Nucci himself!) and Jay Hovis.

Nucci's Italian Ice and Gelato in Cool Springs is a family owned and operated business. Steve and Connie Hovis are the owners, their sons, Ben and Jay, work full time and their daughters, Erin and Morgan, work part time. It is truly a family operation. The Hovis' moved to Brentwood in 2004 from the Philadelphia area. They were hard-pressed to find gelato and Italian ice here and always took advantage of their trips home to treat themselves to these frozen desserts. The idea of opening an Italian cafe in Cool Springs originated on their trip in 2006. With over 80 possible flavors of gelato and over 30 possible flavors of Italian ice, plus Panini sandwiches, soups, salads, Italian coffee and other beverages, Nucci's is an Italian cafe where the Hovis family hopes people can break away from their busy day and relax and enjoy themselves.

History of Nucci's

In 1971, Carmen Esposito, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania school teacher began his Italian Ice career under the name of Cougine’s Italian Ices. He first sold Italian Ice out of an old yellow truck. The truck made it through several seasons and Carmen’s success grew as he developed his unique, one-of-a-kind Italian Ice recipes. In 1975, Carmen opened his fi rst store front business as Esposito’s Italian Ices in northeast Philadelphia.

It was not long before Esposito’s earned the reputation as the best Italian Ice in Philly. The Philadelphia Inquirer commented in an editorial, “What cools you down better than a good water ice? Esposito’s, unlike many newcomers, remembers how to do it right.” In 1978 Esposito’s won the highly coveted “Best of Philly” award from Philadelphia Magazine.

After many successful years in the retail and wholesale Italian Ice business, Carmen and his team began offering their expertise by consulting individuals who were seeking to begin their own successful business in Italian Ice. For many entrepreneurs, his 30+ years of experience became an integral part of their success in business.

We invite you to visit our Italian Cafe...