It delivered ice to homes by horse-drawn wagons.

It sold ice to the poultry industry.

It took on coal delivery and food distribution.

Today, Citisco sells food service equipment and celebrates 80 years as one of Gainesville’s oldest family owned businesses.

"We’re proud the business has been able to adapt to changing trends throughout the years," said Carl Romberg, general manager for the company that was started by his grandfather. "We have three different generations of the family in this business, and we’re thankful for all the community has done to support us."

Started in July 4, 1929, by brothers Carl Romberg Sr. and Conrad Romberg, City Ice Co. delivered ice to homes from its original location on Jesse Jewell Parkway, where the CVS pharmacy now stands. The brothers expanded to include a beef locker to carry meats in the 1930s and began selling ice to the poultry industry in 1941.

"When the company reached a peak in the 1950s, there were three plants in Gainesville, numerous divisions and about 200 employees," Romberg said. "One reason 80 years means so much to us is because we had a number of retired employees and customers here, so it was a way to say thank you."

On Thursday, Gainesville Mayor Myrtle Figueras presented a proclamation and named July 4 as Citisco-Food Service Equipment Day in Gainesville. The family also held a ribbon-cutting for its new location at 206 College Ave.

The company started its food service equipment division in 1964, sold the ice division in 2004 and changed its name to Citisco, short for City Ice Company. Today’s products now include china, flatware, glassware, cookware, cutlery, bar supplies, ice machines, equipment, seating and custodial supplies.

"We’re concentrating on making the business successful and growing it," Romberg said. "We’re now servicing the federal government as well as state government agencies, school systems and the retail market through the Internet and showroom sales."

Romberg said the real success comes from relationships between employees and with manufacturers.

"We try to be fair to our employees, customers and vendors," he said. "We work with manufacturers to stand behind our products, and I think we’re well respected. That’s what will get us to the next 10 years."