News Summary
Pela Ice Cream, a family-run business in South Knoxville, spreads joy through its ice cream trucks while navigating personal challenges. Founded by Pedro and Laura Saez, immigrants from Argentina, they have built a beloved community brand. Their journey began with the dream of starting an ice cream business and has transformed into a thriving operation with a fleet of trucks serving local neighborhoods and events. As they continue to grow, the Saez family emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in their entrepreneurial journey.
Knoxville – Pela Ice Cream, a family-owned business located in South Knoxville, is bringing joy to the community with its fleet of ice cream trucks while embodying the American dream. With approximately a dozen trucks operating from a gravel lot near the Gay Street Bridge, Pela Ice Cream serves neighborhoods, businesses, and construction sites throughout the area. Each day, half of these trucks hit the road, providing delightful treats to customers.
The operations are anchored in a facility that features a freezer warehouse, maintenance garage, and offices, along with a historical house once occupied by the Saez family. The business is named after Pedro Saez, often referred to as “Pe,” and his wife Laura, whose journey from Argentina to the United States has defined their entrepreneurial spirit.
A Journey from Argentina
Pedro and Laura Saez immigrated to the U.S. in 1997 in search of better opportunities. Initially, a family friend urged Pedro to become an ice cream truck driver in Louisiana. Prior to that, he was a trained ophthalmologist in Argentina. In 2001, the couple moved to Knoxville with the chance to start their own ice cream business, despite being unfamiliar with Tennessee at the time.
Shortly after relocating, Laura became pregnant with their first child, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Their daughter faced significant health challenges, necessitating multiple hospital stays. A cardiologist recommended that they stay in the U.S. for the best chance of their daughter’s survival. Miraculously, their daughter, now 23 years old, is thriving and works part-time at a bank. The Saezes also have a 17-year-old son who is actively involved in the family business.
Building a Successful Business
Pela Ice Cream has seen steady growth since its inception. The ice cream season typically runs from spring break to Halloween, during which Pedro works long hours managing the operations. The trucks cover an extensive area, traveling as far as Lenoir City and Morristown to serve customers. A notable aspect of their business is that they began booking events about four years ago, expanding their service offerings.
To facilitate bookings, Pela Ice Cream has implemented an online reservation system. Furthermore, they supply over 50 local convenience stores with their products, underscoring their presence in the local market. During the off-season, the Saez family enjoys reduced operational demands, which allows for some time flexibility.
Community Connection
Pela Ice Cream has established itself as a beloved part of the Knoxville community. The Saez family cherishes the joy they bring to their customers through their ice cream offerings. Laura has noted that the smiles seen at their trucks are priceless, reflecting the happiness children and families experience when indulging in sweet treats. Pedro, while acknowledging the apparent simplicity of running an ice cream business, has also noted the greater challenges involved behind the scenes.
A Profound Commitment
The Saez family’s property has experienced an increase in value over the years, yet Pedro feels a deep attachment to their family home, making him reluctant to rent it out. The Saezes occasionally travel back to Argentina during holidays, allowing them to reconnect with their roots and relatives while balancing their commitment to their business.
As Pela Ice Cream continues to thrive, the Saez family exemplifies resilience and dedication to their work, merging personal challenges with entrepreneurial success. This ice cream business is not just about providing sweet treats; it is about fostering community connections and embracing the American dream through hard work and family values.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Meet the Kingpins of Knoxville’s Ice Cream Truck Empire
- Wikipedia: Ice Cream Truck
- Knox News: Knoxville Ice Cream Shops
- Google Search: Ice Cream Trucks Knoxville
- WATE: Stolen Knoxville Food Truck Recovered
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Ice Cream Trucks
- Hoodline: New Ice Cream Truck in Pittsburgh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Cream
- WATE: Spoiled Vegetables in Knoxville Food Trucks
- Google News: Knoxville Food Trucks Health Inspection
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
