About Mamita: A Legacy Story
At Mamita’s Ices, our story begins far from the busy streets of Queens, New York…
Our roots are planted firmly in San José de las Matas, Dominican Republic, where generations of our family were raised and our legacy as a company truly began. On a small ranch in the D.R., our family matriarch, Rosa Herrera — or as everyone lovingly called her, “Mamita” — started shaping a legacy that would travel across oceans and generations.
Mamita and the impact of her traditions
“Mamita was a confident, headstrong woman who raised nine children on her own. Her love and resilience shaped not just our family, but the future of our business. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Mamita’s daughter Juana – my grandmother – then brought these same values to the U.S. with her own children. It wasn’t easy to leave the Dominican Republic, but Mamita’s spirit stayed with us, keeping our family united.
When they first arrived, our family didn’t have much, but what they did have was each other. My grandmother Juana met my grandfather Maximo, and together they also had nine children: Roberto, Jose Antonio, my mom Juana, Grecia, Nieve, Luis, Javier, Maria, and Franklyn. And the story of Mamita’s Ices truly came to life from there…”
– Natalie Ramones, Great-Granddaughter of Mamita (Rosa Herrera)
Honoring 20 years of family traditions
One of Mamita’s granddaughters, Nieve was the one who had the idea to make flavored frozen treats that resemble the recipes that were made within their family when they were young. She spent time experimenting with different flavors that reminded us of home, and eventually some of our most popular flavors were created, including our tamarind ice and our flagship flavor coconut cream!
At first, it was just for the family, a taste of the Dominican Republic to bring us all closer. But soon, word spread beyond our kitchen, and friends, neighbors, and local bodegas began asking for these homemade ices. Before we knew it, what started in a small Bronx kitchen using only a few pans and a small freezer became something much bigger…
In 2004, our family expanded to a commercial kitchen in Queens and officially launched Mamita’s Ices, paying homage to the legacy of our matriarch, Rosa “Mamita” Herrera. For over 20 years now, Mamita’s Ices has been a symbol of ingenuity, quality, and tradition. It’s more than just a business to us — it’s a continuation of Mamita’s legacy, spreading love one ice at a time. As our family grows and our product reaches more people, the team (aka family) behind Mamita’s Ices remains committed to the same founding values that Mamita instilled in us.
Whether you enjoy our ices in Queens or beyond, know that you’re tasting a little piece of our family’s story. And this is just the beginning.
Te amamos y te agradecemos, Mamita!