About Our Company

Jack Kelly left his Irish roots in South Dakota at the age of 16, in search of the American Dream.  He settled in Minneapolis and after his initial attempt at selling cars, became interested in the beverage business.

Jack Kelly believed the town's beverage business was ripe for tapping. His goal: Expand the beverage choice available to the local bars and restaurants. With this vision, Jack founded his company in 1945, which he called Carbonic Machines.

Established in Old Town Minneapolis, Jack initially developed three distinctive post-mix syrups. He placed his White Soda, Quinine and Tom Collins in gallon jugs and sold them fresh to local establishments.

To offer a more complete beverage package, Jack also delivered Coca-Cola^® and CO2. To add ice to the mix, Jack sold ice machines. In fact, it was Jack who sold the very first commercial ice machine in Minnesota as the Scotsman® distributor.

To support his beverage business, Jack added a service branch, CMI Refrigeration. In the late 1960s, Jack continued to expand with Ace Ice, which initially produced about 3,000lbs of ice daily.

Jack sold the business to his sons and retired in 1982. During the last quarter century, David and Steven Kelly have made extensive changes to the business. Yet Jack’s vision of being "the local guys" by providing friendly, individualized service and product value to customers remains to this very day.

Today, the company’s operations are located just one block from where Jack first started. The business names Jack created sill remain, under the umbrella designation of the Shamrock Group.

Cruise down any Twin Cities highway and you’re bound to see a well maintained Shamrock Group truck. Recognized throughout the region as a beverage and ice expert, the Shamrock Group produces and/or distributes well over 100 different beverage flavors, 50 tons of ice daily and maintains a fleet of over 30 service and delivery trucks.

A foundation based upon the desire to be the Locals' Choice, to provide excellent customer service that stems from Steven and David's Irish roots — a propensity to work hard, as well as product distinction, quality, and value… That’s the Shamrock Group -- for over 65 years. What has been paramount to our success: Attention to detail.