Get To Know Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice Owner Dominique Cochran

One of the Midlands coolest businesses is opening a new location.. Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice, owned by Dominique Cochran, is opening its first storefront this weekend at 6729 Two Notch Road in Columbia. Ms. Cochran previously operated Z’s Cool Me Down as a mobile business. “Z’s Cool Me Down started in April of 2016. The Z represents my daughter, Zaliyah. She is the inspiration behind the brand. The goal was to build a business that we both can work together and contribute towards the city of Columbia.” Italian Ice is a sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit or other flavorings, similar to sorbet. It is made by the same process by which ice cream is made -- freezing the ingredients while mixing them. “It has a soft and smooth texture,” said Cochran. “It has no milk or dairy products. It is not something that will upset your stomach. Cochran says that all of her products are made with fresh ingredients. “The flavors that we have are made with fresh fruit,” Cochran says. “We use stuff that is in season. For instance, during watermelon season your Italian Ice is going to have real watermelon in it.” Other popular flavors include cherry, raspberry, blue raspberry, grape, grape raspberry, sour apple, pina colada, coconut, and chocolate. “Basically, any flavor that people like, we are able to make it,” Cochran says. At her new location, Cochran will also offer additional treats such as ice cream.“We have over ten flavors to choose from, and you can mix and match them,” Cochran said. “Our specialty ice creams are Sweet Potato Pie Ice Cream and Banana Pudding Ice Cream.” Cochran is inviting the public to come out for her grand opening this weekend. “Our grand opening is Mother’s Day Weekend on Saturday, May 8,” said Cochran. “The time is 12 noon - 8 p.m. We will have plenty of Italian Ice, Ice Cream and our specialty, pineapple bowls.” Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice is located at 6729 Two Notch Road. The new restaurant will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. It can be reached by calling (803) 312-3224 or via e-mail at ZsCoolMeDown@yahoo.com. To learn more, visit www.coolmedownitalianice.com or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram