Published: June 23, 2009 02:58 pm      

Ice cream is a hit at local treat shop

Fernandez Paleteria homemade ice cream shop has found itself a home away from home in Gainesville, and the timing could not be better with summer heat rapidly approaching.

Jesse Fernandez, the owner and founder of the shop, brought his recipes for ice cream all the way to Texas from his home in Mexico.

Fernandez was born in the small town of Tocumbo Michoacan, Mexico where, as Fernandez described it, ice cream making is a customary trade.

It was during his childhood that Fernandez acquired ice cream making skills from working in the ice cream stores around his town. His recipes were passed down from generation to generation, starting with his grandfather Miguel and Fernandez's own father, Luis.

Fernandez decided to settle in Gainesville in 1993 to be closer to his family, and in February of 2009 he opened the Fernandez Palteria. Here at his ice cream shop, the tradition of family closeness is upheld, as all employees are family members of Jesse Fernandez.

Before he settled in Gainesville to be with his family, Fernandez worked in an ice cream shop called Lamichoacan in Zacatecas, Mexico. The store sold Mexican treats, such as milk based paletas, or popsicles.

Here in Gainesville, the Fernandez Paleteria offers an assortment of flavored homemade ice cream, paletas, and treats native to Mexico such as, elote (corn), bionico (cream covered fruit), horchata (rice milk), and other snacks derived from Fernandez's native country.

Fernandez has enjoyed living in Gainesville and sharing his craft of ice cream making with the community.

Some customers say they were hooked on the Fernandez family’s frozen treats from the start.

“I have been coming here since it first opened, and they have a wide selection of ice cream,” said customer Glenn Comer said.

Translator and employee, Paula Fernandez, interpreted for Jesse Fernandez when he said, “I like seeing the expressions on the people’s faces when they try the new flavors that I offer.”

Fernandez also said the people of Gainesville are friendly, and that he is pleased to see increasing numbers of customers.

Always a favorite with Gainesville’s Hispanic population, non-Hispanics are also frequently the store in growing numbers.

He said that eighty percent more non-Hispanics frequent his shop now than when he first opened in February, and that he is excited to share his flavors with people who may not be familiar with his specialties.

“We appreciate all of the business that the town gives us, and we thank you” said Fernandez.

With summer just beginning to heat up, Ferandez hopes his ice cream shop gives customers a glimpse of another culture and a new twist on an American favorite.