Zeppe’s to bring new flavor and cool treats to Rexburg
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REXBURG — Idaho’s first Zeppe’s Italian Ice is opening in Rexburg at 1055 Tamana Drive, just off University Boulevard. A soft opening is planned for the first week of March 2026, with a grand opening celebration on March 14.
Zeppe’s serves Italian ice and frozen custard at its 10 locations in Utah. By combining Italian shaved ice, gelato, and custard, customers can create unique and refreshing flavor combinations. Zeppe’s also serves ice cream, concretes, Dole Whip, churros, and pretzels.
Meett the owners
Karisa and Travis Swann are the husband-and-wife team opening the new Rexburg location.
“As a newly married couple, we would go there for date nights,” Karisa said. “That’s when we first had Zeppe’s Italian ice and custard.”
Karisa is originally from Montana, while Travis was born in Texas. The two met while attending Utah State University in Logan in 2010, where Karisa studied general courses before moving to Weber State University to complete her nursing degree. Travis had initially planned to study history, but ended up pursuing entrepreneurship.
After getting married, the couple lived in Ogden and Centerville, Utah, where they started their family.
It was during those early years of dating and courtship that Zeppe’s became part of their lives.
Years later, during a family trip to a Zeppe’s in St. George, Utah, in 2025, the idea of owning a franchise began to take shape for the Swanns.
“On our drive back from the restaurant, we were kind of playing with the idea of becoming a franchise owner,” Swann said. “We got in contact with the original owners, and they had just begun to open up franchise locations, so it was perfect timing.”
Travis already has the entrepreneurship process under his belt. After starting three businesses since 2012 and successfully exiting one, opening a franchise location for their family’s favorite treat seemed like a natural choice.
When deciding where to open, the Swanns chose Rexburg.
Mouths to feed and new jobs to fill
“Rexburg was one of our favorite spots because of that small-town feel and the welcoming community,” Swann said. “We also have family in Idaho, so it felt like a really good fit.”
The new Zeppe’s location is being built near Chipotle in Rexburg and will include a drive-through. Swann said the space is currently under construction, with plumbing, electrical work and interior build-out underway.
When the store opens, Swann estimates it will employ between 10 to 20 people. A local manager has already been hired.
“We’ll also be hiring an assistant manager and general employees working different shifts,” Karisa said.
Swann said one of the things she enjoys most about this business is the chance to connect with the community.
“With Zeppe’s in particular, it’s been a fun project,” she said. “You get to interact with the community way more.”
She added that Rexburg has been welcoming throughout the process.
“Rexburg has been nothing but friendly to us,” Swann said.
The family also plans to include local artists and community members in the store, including a mural by a local artist and possible activities such as face painting during the grand opening.
“I really want it to feel like it’s a part of Idaho,” Swann said.
Looking ahead, Swann said the goal is to create a space that works for families, students, and couples alike.
“It’s a more refreshing sweet dessert than just ice cream,” she said. “It’s a fun way to get people together for a date night or a family outing, and it’s not super expensive.”
See menus and more at the official Zeppe’s website.