Greek immigrant Andreas Aristidou brought ice cream to Colombia in the 1930s and, since then, his Heladeria Americana has become something of an ice-cream empire. Three generation of Greeks have expanded the stores with several outlets in the city.
Colombian-born Antonis Mandralis-Aristidou, the general manager of the soon-to-be seven Heladeria Americana stores, grew up in Greece but now continues to expand the business that was founded by his grandfather. The founder of the company, a Greek immigrant from the Peloponnese came to Colombia during a period of great opportunity and growth.
He amassed a fortune by bringing the idea of ice cream to Barranquilla, Colombia, as well as ‘dining’. Since then, the restaurant has offered everything from ice cream to Greek kebabs and has made an impact on the city’s gastronomy.
The signature product is the Frozo Malt, created by the original founder, the fruit-jelly topped chocolate dessert is just as popular today.
