OUR STORY

Our story begins with Priciliano Mateo, who moved from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Los Angeles in 1982 with a dream and a lifelong passion for ice cream. As a young boy, he learned the art of making paletas from his uncle.

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In Los Angeles, Priciliano worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs and late-night shifts as a waiter, but he never let go of his vision. His determination and love for his craft kept him moving forward.

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After years of hard work and perseverance, that dream finally became a reality in 2000 with the opening of the first Mateo’s Ice Cream, a small shop born from rigorous work ethic, dedication, and passion for frozen sweets.

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WHAT WE DO

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From the very beginning, Priciliano Mateo stayed true to his roots, creating paletas and ice cream inspired by the vibrant flavors of his childhood in Oaxaca. Each recipe reflects his dedication to authenticity, from the use of fresh tropical fruits to traditional Oaxacan favorites like leche quemada (smoked milk).

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Today, Mateo’s Ice Cream proudly serves more than 30 varieties of paletas and over 25 ice cream flavors, including Priciliano’s signature leche quemada and cactus fruit paleta, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

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But we don’t stop at ice cream. Our menu also features refreshing juices, smoothies, and sandwiches made daily on French baguettes. Every item is crafted with the same care, quality, and attention to detail that Priciliano believed in.

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WHY WE DO IT

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For our family, ice cream has always been about more than just dessert,  it’s about sharing culture, memories, and moments of happiness. Priciliano believed in creating something that made people smile, a small taste of home, no matter where they were.

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Although he passed away in 2018, his spirit, values, and recipes remain at the heart of everything we do. Every batch we make is crafted with love, gratitude, and the same care he taught us,  a sweet reminder of the legacy he left behind.

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KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE

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Today, Mateo’s Ice Cream remains family-run, proudly carrying on Priciliano’s legacy one scoop at a time. We celebrate our Oaxacan roots through every flavor and every smile that walks through our doors.  Our goal is to keep his dream alive by sharing the same quality, heart, and joy that inspired it from the start. Every scoop is made with care so our customers can experience the flavors and happiness that started it all.

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​From our family to yours, Thank you for being part of the Mateo’s Ice Cream story.

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