Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com May 9, 2016 • Hartford Business Journal 3 By Stan Simpson M ichael Orfitelli Sr. migrated to Manchester from Italy in the 1920s at 16, knowing that hard work and ingenuity would be his for- mula for success in a new country. After working at a dairy company for a few years, Orfitelli decided to go off on his own. In 1926, Royal Ice Cream, a small manufacturing plant on Warren Street, was launched. Orfitelli, who had no formal education, later developed a patent for a spring-loaded pint-filler, owned several multi-family real estate properties and a prized 1952 Buick. His business initially had about 30 delivery routes within a 10-mile radius of Hartford; convenience stores and mom-and-pop operations were primary customers. Over 90 years, Royal Ice Cream evolved. Its range of ice cream novelties and specialties expanded, along with its customer base, which is national — there's even business in China. One thing has not changed: An Orfitelli is still in charge. James "Jim" Orfitelli — Michael's grandson — has been running things since 1987. The third-generation business these days generates sales of $2 million a year making ice cream desserts, including sorbets, mud pies, cake rolls, tortoni and spumoni. Michael Orfitelli's hard work and his six-day-a-week business kept his family comfortable for almost a century. "His idea of a break was to go from making pop- sicles to working on his patio,'' said James Orfitelli, 63, Continued 860.871.1111 Toll Free: 800.741.6367 nemsi.com License #'s: E1-104939 • S1-302974 • P1-203519 • F1-10498 • SM1-192 • MC-1134 MECHANICAL • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • SHEET METAL • BUILDING AUTOMATION • FACILITIES SERVICES FACILITY SOLUTIONS…ONE SOURCE The company that builds and installs the critical systems in virtually every type of facility is the same company you can rely on to maintain them. For 50 years, our clients have trusted us to deliver end-to-end facilities solutions, so they can focus on their core business. We design, install, maintain, and protect systems in: Industrial Facilities Manufacturing Facilities Commercial Facilities Higher Education Facilities Healthcare Facilities Pharmaceutical Facilities 196 6-2016 196 6-2016 Stan Simpson Royal Ice Cream's cold treats have global appeal For over 90 years, the Orfitelli family has owned and operated Royal Ice Cream in Manchester. Third-generation James Orfitelli runs the business today, but he's looking for a new buyer as his retirement looms. P H O T O | S T E V E L A S C H E V E R

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