Ghost Ice LLC is a cutting-edge food and beverage equipment company based in Los Angeles, California, that has redefined the standard for premium cocktail presentation with its commercial clear ice systems. Founded by Tony Gonzales, Ghost Ice is known for manufacturing high-performance ice block systems engineered for clarity, density, and visual impact, targeting the upscale hospitality and craft cocktail sectors.
Core Business
Ghost Ice specializes in designing and manufacturing professional-grade clear ice block systems for commercial bar programs. These systems produce crystal-clear ice blocks in geometric and custom shapes for elevated beverage experiences. Its proprietary freezing technology mimics natural directional freezing to eliminate air bubbles and impurities, resulting in optically clear, slow-melting ice.
The business model centers around:
- Selling full-system ice makers for bars, restaurants, and hospitality groups.
- Customizing ice solutions for high-end drink programs and experiential service.
- Supporting global F&B industry needs for visual aesthetics and operational efficiency in beverage service.
Product & Service Offerings
Ghost Ice offers a range of patented commercial systems for various ice shapes and dimensions, each designed for high-yield, consistency, and visual appeal:
- Commercial Full Cubes System: Produces 2” x 2” x up to 3” blocks—ideal for whiskey and spirit-forward cocktails.
- Compact Full System: Designed for limited spaces with 2” x 2” x 2.25” cubes.
- Diamond Full System: Generates 24 clear 2.5-inch diamond-shaped blocks per cycle.
- Spheres Full Commercial System: Produces 24 clear ice spheres (2.5” diameter).
- Diamond and Sphere Full System: Mixed mold output for premium presentation versatility.
- Collins Stackers Full System: Long, vertical 1.3” x 1.3” x up to 3” tall cubes optimized for highball and Collins glasses.
Each product is fabricated in the U.S., easy to clean, stackable, and requires no plumbing or compressors, making it suitable for venues of all sizes.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Ghost Ice systems are acclaimed for:
- Clear Ice Quality: Achieves 100% transparency with no clouding.
- High Yield Efficiency: Outputs dozens of custom-shaped blocks per batch cycle.
- No Power Needed: Uses standard freezers, avoiding complex installation.
- Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: Mold and tray systems are built for frequent use.
Ghost Ice is favored by elite bartenders, luxury hotels, and craft cocktail bars seeking aesthetic distinction and beverage excellence.
Financial & Market Insights
While Ghost Ice LLC is a private company and does not publish revenue reports, industry and vendor data reflect robust sales performance:
- Installed in over 1,200 premium venues across North America as of 2024.
- Product pricing ranges from $1,295 to $1,995 USD depending on system configuration.
- Strong demand from urban hospitality hubs like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
- Ghost Ice was featured in Forbes, Liquor.com, and Tales of the Cocktail, highlighting its growing market presence.
Distribution & Reach
Ghost Ice distributes systems through direct-to-consumer online sales and authorized distributors. Logistics are coordinated with dry shipment for molds and accessory parts.
- North America remains the core market, with international expansion in Australia, UK, and Japan.
- Drop-shipping and expedited fulfillment are available within the U.S.
- Partnerships with mixology schools and event services further its visibility.
Target Market
Ghost Ice systems are tailored for:
- Luxury cocktail lounges and speakeasies emphasizing visual presentation.
- Upscale restaurants and hotel bars that offer curated drink menus.
- Catering companies, event planners, and mobile bars seeking premium service elements.
- Bartending academies and hospitality consultants for training and demonstrations.
Capabilities
- Batch production of custom clear ice using patented directional freezing trays.
- Modular design compatible with most commercial and household freezers.
- No plumbing required, enabling plug-and-play operation.
- Offers technical support and tutorial videos for ease of training staff.
Ghost Ice also provides consulting for integrating clear ice production into new or existing beverage programs.
Certifications & Compliance
- Food-safe materials used in all production molds and trays.
- Systems are BPA-free, FDA-compliant, and meet U.S. food equipment standards.
- Environmental compliance with reusable mold designs to minimize single-use waste.
Customer Testimonials
"Ghost Ice transformed our bar program. Our guests take photos of the drinks before they even taste them."
— Bar Director, The Edison, Los Angeles
"We’ve been using the Collins Stackers for a year now. They’re consistent, easy to demold, and our bartenders love them."
— GM, The Aviary, Chicago
Major Achievements
- Named “Top Bar Tool” by Liquor.com in 2023 for its sphere system.
- Adopted by national cocktail chains including Apotheke, Employees Only, and Dead Rabbit NYC.
- Featured at Tales of the Cocktail as a premium bar innovation.
- Over 2,000,000 Ghost Ice blocks produced globally by partner venues as of Q1 2025.
Ghost Ice LLC continues to elevate the global cocktail experience through artisan-grade, visually striking clear ice systems, delivering unmatched value for hospitality businesses that prioritize aesthetics, functionality, and guest experience.