Sweet Resilience: The Journey of Panchitos Ice Cream

Story written by Aylin Bueno

Argelia Fabian, co-owner of Panchitos Ice Cream

“My dad has always been like ‘Trabaja, mija, para que no le tengas que pedir a nadie.’”

Panchitos Ice Cream, established in Lexington, KY, is more than just a place to cater to your sweet tooth; it is a testament to family, community, and resilience. Co-owned by Argelia Fabian and her brother José Francisco Fabian, this family-run business pays tribute to their roots and humble beginnings.

Argelia’s parents migrated to the U.S. from Guerrero, Mexico when she was just 2 years old. They lived in the culturally rich Latino community of La Villita (Little Village), Chicago, for twelve years. In 2006, her family moved to Lexington, KY. Upon arriving, they realized there was a small Latino community and even fewer Latino businesses. Missing the nostalgic flavors from home and inspired by the street vendors of Chicago, Argelia’s father came up with the idea of bringing traditional Mexican paletas to Lexington.

The family started their journey by selling paletas—brought from Chicago—out of their car at local parks. The need for traditional Mexican flavors in a city with a growing Latino population was evident, so they invested in pushcarts the following summer. Argelia remembers being in middle school and joining her father and brother in selling paletas. What initially felt like a slight embarrassment quickly turned into pride when her classmates envied them for being the children of the neighborhood ice cream man. "We were the cool kids in school selling paletas," she reflects.

Starting a business in a new city and navigating all the complexities that came with it was a steep learning curve for the family. From translating for her father to receive city permits to expanding from pushcarts to an ice cream truck and eventually their own storefront, every step required perseverance and dedication.

Panchitos Ice Cream quickly became a community hub, celebrating nostalgic Mexican flavors. They hand-make all their ice cream and paletas, offering a variety of 40 flavors crafted with care. From watermelon to Galletas Marias, the idea to create their own flavors came from co-owner and brother, José Francisco. Through much trial and error, he and their father developed the unique flavors enjoyed today. They have even fulfilled special requests, like making rosemary ice cream for an Iranian customer longing for a taste of home. In addition to ice cream, Panchitos offers a variety of snacks, including tostilocos, chicharrones preparados, elotes en vaso, crepes, and mini pancakes, catering to diverse cravings.

Family is the foundation behind Panchitos Ice Cream, so it's fitting that the business is named after a beloved family member, Argelia’s grandfather, Francisco, who often went by Pancho. He was a beekeeper in Mexico, and the logo used for the business pays homage to him.

Panchitos Ice Cream strives to be a pillar of support in their community. They not only sponsor festivals and local events but also offer guidance to new business owners. With locations in both Louisville and Lexington, Argelia hopes to grow the business even further.

Taking on these leadership roles, Argelia embraced the challenges of being a Latina entrepreneur in a culture deeply rooted in machismo. Motivated and inspired by her parents' work ethic, she decided to carve out her place in the business world. Her mother, in particular, instilled in her the importance of financial responsibility. Her mother meticulously manages the business's finances, always looking for the best prices and ensuring they save money for unforeseen circumstances because, as her mother says, “uno nunca sabe.”

Argelia’s father also played a crucial role. “My dad has always been like ‘Trabaja, mija, para que no le tengas que pedir a nadie.’ He always wanted his daughters to work for what they have and prove to the world that, as women, we can do this.”

Argelia recognizes the unique pressures of being a Latina with a career, especially balancing cultural expectations with professional ambitions. She’s proud to see the growth in the number of Latina business owners in Lexington and believes Latinas are stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue their dreams. “Being an entrepreneur is hard work. There's always the risk of epic failure, and you're always on call. It’s not a 9-to-5 job, but if you truly love it, you’re just going to live it, fight every day, and not give up.”

Through their journey from selling popsicles out of a car trunk to becoming a cornerstone of Lexington's Latino community, Panchitos Ice Cream embodies the values of hospitality, family, and community. As Argelia Fabian reflects on their path, she sees not just a business but a legacy—a legacy built on sharing the flavors of Mexico and creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

Learn more about Panchitos Ice Cream here.