How Jim-Jim's Water-Ice Originated

On June 12th , 1993, Jim Moy, owner of Jim-Jim's was then a resident of Philadelphia, PA. On that hot and humid summer day, Jim was entertaining a friend who was a student at UT Austin. After lunch, Jim told his friend, "Let's get a water-ice". A blank look came across his friend's face as he replied, "Sure, that sounds good". As they strolled down the street eating their lemon water-ices the friend mumbled something. Jim asked his friend to repeat what he just said and the friend replied, "I wish we had this in Texas". Jim thought his friend was joking and replied, "Stop kidding around, water-ice is nationwide". His friend's face took on a serious look and said, "I'm not kidding. I grew up in Houston and now reside in Austin, I have never seen, heard of or had a water-ice in my life".

In Philadelphia, the water-ice business is fiercely competitive. Recipes are closely guarded secrets and every company claims to have the best tasting flavors. Some companies are even known to have rummaged through their competitor's trash in hopes to find their secret ingredients. So with this in mind, Jim didn't think his chances were too good of finding someone to show him the ropes. But luck would soon shine down on Jim. That following week while attending an interdepartmental meeting at work, Jim came across his friend and former coworker Rick who had since moved to another department. While they were catching up on the news and gossip, Jim brought up the story of his friend from Texas. Rick told Jim that he wasn't going to believe this, but his brother-in-law owns a water-ice company but his brother-in-law has never told anyone the recipes. Rick offered to call his brother-in-law. Jim took Rick up on his offer and said that he would be happy to work on weekends for free in exchange for the recipes. A few days later, Rick got back to Jim and said that his brother-in-law wanted to speak with him directly. So Jim called up the brother-in-law and the only question that the brother-in-law asked was, "Where do you plan to open up". "Somewhere in Texas" Jim replied. The brother-in-law said, "That's far enough away, I'll be glad to teach you. I'll see you Saturday".

The most successful water-ice stores in Philadelphia thrive in high pedestrian areas.