Since launching in 1932, Rossi ice cream has gone from being a small, family business to a brand which is as synonymous with Southend as the famous pier and Adventure Island.
It has been impossible for residents and daytrippers to walk along Southend seafront without spotting the iconic Rossi logo over the decades.
The first ice cream parlour and factory was opened in the 1930s on the seaside town’s high street.
The parlour was opened by Massimiliano Agostino and his wife Anna Rossi.
From yesteryear - Rossi's first ice cream parlour and factory opened on Southend's High Street in the 1930s
As the business flourished, another parlour was opened on Marine Parade and a partnership got under way with Pietro Rossi, a distant cousin of Anna’s who had moved to Southend from County Durham, where his family owned their own ice cream firm. However, the collaboration was shortlived as they parted ways in 1938.
It was agreed Pietro and his wife Luisa would trade along the seafront while keeping the keys to the Marine Parade branch.
Rolling back the years - Rossi has been a favourite among Southend residents and daytrippers for decades
The Rossi family had to vacate their premises during the Second World War due to the seafront area being used for military purposes.
Ice cream continued to be sold from Marine Parade and two sites along Western Esplanade after the war’s climax.
Taking the orders - Nancy Guichi has been at the forefront of the business for an extensive period of time and smiled for our snapper at the age of 85
A factory was then built in Lucy Road to cope with the huge demand in 1967, while a kiosk was acquired on Southend High Street two years later.
Rossi continues to entice customers close to 90 years after its inception and has some famous fans.
Star appeal - broadcaster and former politician Michael Portillo paid a visit when he travelled to Southend seafront
David Cameron wolfed down some of the ice cream during his tenure as Prime Minister and former politician Michael Portillo has also paid a visit.
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Rossi moved from its original Lucy Road factory, where it was situated since 1967, to new premises at Temple Farm Industrial Estate in 2017.
Famous fan - Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge presents then-Prime Minister David Cameron with Rossi ice cream as he was invited to open Southend Airport’s new terminal in December 2013
A book documenting the history of the business was written by Patricia Volante and Rossi continues to be a thriving Southend firm today.
Scroll down to see more eye-catching images of how the business has developed through the years.
Looking back at history - Rossi’s: The Story of Southend’s Favourite Ice Cream was written by Patricia Volante in 2018
Behind the scenes - Rossi Bear, Matt Davis, Will Hicks, Paula O'Donnell and Colin Gray standing outside the new Temple Farm Industrial Estate site in 2017
Employee turned author - Patricia Volante began working weekends in the Rossi’s Temperance Bar in 1959, aged 15, while doing her studies
All together - the famous Rossi Ice Cream celebrated its 85th birthday in style at its new factory in 2017
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