On March 8, CCI-NC President and Honorary Consul of Italy to North Carolina, Dr. Valentina Cecchi, attended the opening of The Old-Fashioned Way: The Tony’s Ice Cream Story at the Gaston County Museum in Dallas, NC. Representing both CCI-NC and the Italian Consulate, Dr. Cecchi joined local officials and community leaders to honor the enduring legacy of one of North Carolina’s oldest Italian-founded businesses.

The exhibit highlights the Coletta and Jannetta families’ journey from Italy to Gaston County and the generations of dedication that turned a small pushcart operation into a beloved community landmark. The opening day was filled with warm conversations, shared memories, and a true sense of pride in the immigrant stories that continue to shape our region.

Dr. Cecchi was joined by Gaston County commissioner, Cathy Cloninger; Gaston County Museum director, Alexandrea Pizza; and the Mayor of Dallas, NC, Hayley Beaty. We are proud to support initiatives that preserve and celebrate Italian heritage across North Carolina. If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to visit the exhibit—it will be on display through May 30, 2026.