Eileen O’Connor, BS ’94
DiCosmo’s Italian IceMetuchen, New Jersey
Four Generations of Flavor
Eileen F. O'Connor, BS ’94, fourth-generation owner of DiCosmo’s Italian Ice, is continuing her family’s tradition of creating hand-crafted artisanal Italian ice. O’Connor and her husband opened the shop’s second location in 2020 and are now teaching their own children the art of making ice.
The pair has taken steps to modernize the business, including adding new flavors to the menu alongside the traditional ones, which are all made with real fruit to ensure great taste and texture. O’Connor is focused on balancing the family feel of the shop with a mindset for future growth to keep the business running for generations to come.
O’Connor’s flavor of choice is lime-mint, made with real lime, mint and cane sugar.
DiCosmo’s first opened in 1915 with only one flavor: lemon.
DiCosmo’s won a NJ Dessert Battle to the Death vs. Holsten’s on the “New Jersey Is The World” podcast.
Best part about being a business owner?
The satisfaction and pride of knowing that our ices, rich in family tradition, are the very best and have brought enjoyment to generations of families.
Most memorable business owner moment/experience?
Our second location’s "soft opening" in 2020 was quite memorable. It was supposed to test the waters and work the kinks out, but word spread quickly in our community and we were super busy — a line out the door for hours!
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
A growth strategy that preserves the integrity of the product while offering a family balance.
Can’t-miss menu item?
The ONLY thing we do is artisanal small batch Italian ice. My favorite flavor is lime-mint — so refreshing!
How has your SJU education impacted you as an entrepreneur?
My Jesuit education further strengthened some of the core values I was raised with: social responsibility and commitment to the greater good. Whether it be community focused or on a global scale, DiCosmo's regularly hosts fundraisers and supports charitable causes. I personally volunteer with Meals on Wheels in the off season.
Giovanni and Caterina DiCosmo, the original owners of DiCosmo’s.
Eileen F. O'Connor, BS ’94, with three generations of her family.
DiCosmo’s Italian ice being scooped into a cup.
Favorite guest you’ve served?
Chris Gethard.
Unknown or fun fact about your business?
“New Jersey Is The World” podcast did a NJ Dessert Battle to the Death episode featuring DiCosmo's vs. Holsten's (the establishment featured in the final "Sopranos" episode) and we won! We are also featured in two of New Jersey food writer Pete Genovese’s books. He's a big fan!
SJU professor or class that had the most impact on your career trajectory?
In one of my classes, I learned how to close a job interview and ask for the position. I am not naturally very assertive, so that was a learned skill that has definitely impacted my life. In fact, I have been told post-interview that was what set me apart from the competitors.
If you could make an SJU-themed meal or dish, what would you serve?
Naturally, it would be #THWND — a crimson colored, cherry-lime Italian Ice! (Second choice of name — The LaFarge, IYKYK!)
Secret to a great meal?
A passion for the creative process.
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