Since its establishment in 1956, Frosty Freez has become a cherished staple in the community, offering a delightful array of ice cream flavors and heartwarming customer service. Leo and Grace Cassidy opened it as a Tastee Freez franchise in 1956. They bought out the franchise and renamed it Frosty Freez, and eventually sold it to Ray and Sue Roppe in 1977.

The Roppes ran Frosty Freez until 1990, when they turned the business over to their daughter, Martine, and her husband, Gary, to run in 1990. In 2000, Kim Pachico and her husband Mark bought the business.

It’s an 800-square-foot ice cream haven that thrives, largely thanks to the strong bonds between the owners, their history and their dedicated employees. Kim and Mark still visit the Roppes. Ray Roppe turned 90 last year. And their connection with their employees goes beyond the typical workplace dynamic. She and Mark consider themselves part of a larger family, attending significant life events such as weddings, birthdays, and baby showers of their former employees. As Kim warmly shares, they now have 46  “grand babies,” whom they lovingly call #FutureScoopers (number 47 is on the way)! 

Kim’s journey into the ice cream business was a leap of faith, transitioning from social services to becoming an ice cream vendor. As she puts it, entering this field has been about “95 percent happy customers,” making it a fulfilling venture where every transaction is brief yet joyful. Her love for children adds an extra layer of delight to her daily interactions with young customers and leads to Frosty Freez sponsoring two local tee-ball teams and a soccer team, in addition supporting several charities.  

Frosty Freez offers a great selection of flavors that cater to a wide range of tastes. They include what Kim refers to as her “old people flavors” — maple walnut and pistachio that have been popular for generations. 

New flavors that are a hit with the kids include cotton candy, play doh and crazy vanilla. And one of Frosty Freez’s top selling hard ice cream flavor, peanut butter cup, includes big chunks of peanut butter. Of course, long-time customers have remained loyal to coffee soft serve, especially during lunchtime. Macy Toppa of Portsmouth works nearby and has been coming to Frosty Freez for her lunchtime ice cream for years.

Frosty Freez is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a nostalgic, old-school establishment that welcomes families, locals out for a treat at lunch, and former employees. Frosty Freez even welcomes furry friends with a special doggie dish.

The shop’s commitment to creating a friendly and clean environment keeps customers coming back year after year and made it local landmark. 

If you’re nearby, try the “Miss Kim sundae.” It’s not on the menu board, but it is the owner’s favorite, and the name was coined by a long time patron. It’s a delightful mix of coffee vanilla twist with fudge, butterscotch, nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.  

Frosty Freez is located at 496 E Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842.