Tourism has helped Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream expand beyond neighborhood scoop shops and reach new customers across Central Florida. The locally owned brand has gained visibility and opportunities that continue to support its growth as Orlando welcomes visitors from around the world.

"Tourism has helped us reach new customers," said Kelly Seidl, co-owner of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. "We’ve been able to serve more people throughout many locations."

For Seidl, that growth builds from a love of ice cream that began at childhood and evolved into one of Central Florida’s most recognizable local brands — one discovered by visitors and residents alike.

From a Childhood Tradition to an Orlando Favorite

Seidl’s passion for ice cream took root early and never grew cold. "I’ve always loved ice cream," she said. "I grew up helping on my aunt and uncle’s dairy farm."

After moving to Orlando, Seidl and her husband talked about owning a business together — conversations often sparked by their shared love of ice cream. That passion eventually led to the creation of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Since the early days, Seidl and her team focused on being visible and engaged — standing in front of customers at markets and events, sharing their story and offering samples. Even after opening brick‑and‑mortar shops, that emphasis on connection and community has remained central to the brand.

Rooted in the Small Business Community

As Kelly’s has grown, Seidl has remained closely connected to the small‑business community that helped shape the brand from the beginning. She continues to prioritize relationships with other local business owners.

Today, Kelly’s has established shops in neighborhood commercial corridors such as Audubon Park, Ivanhoe Village, SoDo and Curry Ford West, remaining closely tied to Orlando’s local business ecosystems while continuing to expand its reach.

Tourism Opens Doors to New Opportunities

As Orlando continues to welcome visitors from around the world, tourism has created new ways for Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream to meet customers beyond its neighborhood scoop shops.

The brand now vends at the Kia Center and is a partner of the Orlando Magic, expanding its presence into major venues across the destination. Kelly’s also operates locations in several hotels across Central Florida, including Caribe Royale and Rosen Hotels, and continues to see catering inquiries from organizations hosting events at the Orange County Convention Center.

Through meetings, conventions and leisure travel, tourism has created new touchpoints for visitors to discover Kelly’s, helping transform what began as a small operation into a staple across the destination.

Partnering With Visit Orlando

For the past four years, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a Visit Orlando member, gaining access to marketing support, networking opportunities and resources available to all members.

“Being a member of Visit Orlando has been amazing,” Seidl said. “Just the collaborative effort — the meetings, the luncheons, the marketing component — and leaning on the resources and the tools.”

That partnership has supported Kelly’s efforts to reach new customers and continue expanding its presence across Central Florida.

Looking Ahead

This year, the brand will open a new location at Orlando International Airport in Terminals A and B, introducing travelers to local flavors as soon as they arrive.

“We’re excited to just keep growing and to keep opening up ice cream scoop shops across the Orlando area,” Seidl said.

At the center of that growth remains a clear focus.

Tourism Benefits Us All

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream shows how tourism helps local businesses grow, reach new audiences and create new opportunities across Central Florida. When visitors explore Orlando, they discover local favorites — and businesses like Kelly’s continue to thrive.

That shared growth strengthens local businesses and the neighborhoods they serve, creating a destination where residents and visitors alike benefit.

“And that’s what makes Orlando unbelievably real,” said Seidl.

That’s the power of tourism.

And that’s how Tourism Benefits You.