In the bustling heart of Toronto, where summers sizzle and winters bite, one company has been keeping things frosty for over three decades: The Iceman. Since its founding in 1987, this family-run business has grown from a humble ice supplier into the city’s go-to source for all things frozen—packaged ice, dry ice, ice machines, and the beat cocktail ice in leaf nation. Located at 782 Adelaide Street West, The Iceman isn’t just a business; it’s a Toronto institution that’s weathered changing times and tastes to remain a vital part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Let’s chill out and explore their story.
A Frozen Foundation in 1987
The Iceman was born in the spring of 1987, the brainchild of founder John Silva. At the time, Toronto’s hospitality industry—restaurants, bars, and hotels—was crying out for reliable ice options. Silva saw the gap and seized the opportunity, planting his fledgling company smack in the middle of downtown Toronto. What started as a modest packaged ice operation quickly gained traction, fueled by a commitment to quality and a knack for meeting the city’s unique needs.
Over the years, The Iceman evolved with Toronto’s vibrant scene. From a single-focus supplier, it expanded into a one-stop shop for ice-related solutions, mirroring the growth of the GTA’s nightlife, event culture, and industrial demands. Today, with more than 35 years under its belt, The Iceman stands as Toronto’s largest distributor of packaged ice, dry ice, and ice machines—a testament to its staying power.
More Than Just Ice Cubes
What makes The Iceman special isn’t just its longevity—it’s the breadth of what they offer. Walk into their Adelaide Street hub or call for a delivery, and you’ll find premium packaged ice in sizes from 2.7 kg to 12 kg, perfect for everything from a backyard BBQ to a packed nightclub. Need something fancier? They’ve got specialty ice—think crystal-clear Kold Draft cubes for mixologists, or custom spheres to elevate your cocktail game.
Then there’s dry ice, a niche but critical service. Available in nuggets, slabs, rice, or blocks, it’s a favorite for special effects crews, labs, photographers, and shipping companies needing to keep goods frozen. The Iceman even offers dry ice shipping across Canada, the U.S., and beyond, complete with rental gear for safe storage. One Yelp reviewer raved about their help shipping medication to rural Quebec, praising how they packed it to stay cool for 48 hours despite a FedEx snag—proof they go the extra mile.
And if your business relies on ice machines, The Iceman has you covered. They rent and service brands like Hoshizaki and Manitowoc, offering free site inspections to match machines to your space and budget. When a machine breaks down, their emergency ice delivery keeps you afloat—a lifeline for restaurants and bars in Toronto’s fast-paced hospitality world.
Downtown Roots, GTA Reach
The Iceman’s downtown Toronto location is no accident. At 782 Adelaide Street West, they’re perfectly positioned to serve the city’s core—restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, hospitals, clinics, and event venues. Open seven days a week, they cater to walk-ins and same-day or next-day deliveries (minimum 250 lbs), ensuring no one’s left out in the heat. Whether it’s a last-minute order for a festival or a scheduled drop-off for a venue, their in-house delivery team makes it happen, often within 60 minutes for urgent calls.
Their reach extends across the GTA, a region they’ve proudly served for over 25 years. From suburban caterers to urban mixologists, The Iceman’s reliability has built a loyal clientele who value their personal touch—a rarity in an industry where bigger players sometimes dominate.
A Family Affair
At its core, The Iceman is a family business, and that vibe shines through. Established by John Silva, it’s grown with a hands-on approach that prioritizes customer relationships over corporate flash. Reviews highlight their knowledgeable staff and willingness to problem-solve. Jake Silva followed in his father's foot steps, leading The Iceman into the future.
Toronto’s Ice Scene: A Cool Context
The Iceman’s rise parallels the evolution of Toronto’s ice industry. Unlike giants like Arctic Glacier, which started in Winnipeg and ballooned across North America before its 2012 sale to American firms, The Iceman has stayed local and independent. They’ve thrived by focusing on Toronto’s specific demands—custom ice for its cocktail renaissance, dry ice for its creative and tech sectors, and machines for its endless hospitality churn. In a way, they’re the hometown hero in a market where consolidation often overshadows the little guy.
Keeping Toronto Cool
The Iceman isn’t just about ice—it’s about keeping Toronto’s pulse alive. From the bar pouring your Friday night drink to the clinic storing your vaccine, their work touches lives in ways you might not notice until the ice runs out. With a legacy spanning nearly four decades, they’ve proven that even in a city of constant change, some things—like a solid block of ice—endure. Next time you’re sipping something cold in the GTA, tip your glass to The Iceman: Toronto’s unsung chill-master.
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