A newly minted gelato store on Airlie Beach’s main strip is churning freshly made authentic gelato in store - both classic and inventive - since opening on July 14 and is fast becoming a favourite for the locals.
Gelatissimo Airlie Beach is serving Whitsunday residents and tourists alike with gelato made “for the flavour obsessed”.
Drawing customers with its gorgeous storefront that screams modern gelato parlour and harkens an authentic Italian gelateria, Gelatissimo is pulling in passers-by with its aesthetic, and keeping them with tasty treats.
The gelato franchise, which started in King Street, Sydney in 2002, may have stores across the globe nowadays, but franchisee of Gelatissimo Airlie Beach, David Lim, said it was, in its creamy heart, an artisanal gelato store focused on community.
“Gelatissimo is a business about small moments; it’s a business about making Australians smile over a scoop of gelato,” Mr Lim said.
“Whether that be in Gelatissimo itself, in a park – or here in Airlie Beach by the lagoon, that’s the beauty of gelato.”
Gelatissimo has been wanting to bring its famous gelato far north – and Airlie Beach seemed like a match made in heaven.
“We thought: Airlie Beach, with its tourists and local people, and its weather, is perfect for gelato. They deserve a brand that’s made for the seekers of indulgence, and flavour cravers alike here in Airlie,” Mr Lim said.
With over 30 flavours in total available at Airlie, it’s easy to see why they’re the cherry atop the gelato world, with popular flavours like award winning Mango sorbet made with Australian Kensington Pride Mangoes, and Deluxe Wicked Double Choc Brownie that just won gold at the Australian Dairy industry Awards.
“Things like perfect texture, flavour, and hard work makes us different from any other gelato or ice cream shop,” Mr Lim said.
“We introduce new and exciting flavours monthly. They’re creative and have a touch of localisation; for example, we have an exclusive Airlie Beach Tropical Sunrise flavour that’s a refreshing Passionfruit and Yuzu sorbet.
“That’s reflected in the store. We want customers to feel really welcomed and to feel free to explore flavours, rather than getting the same every time.
“We want them to be happier when they leave than when they came in; for us, it’s a dream job. No one is angry when they come in to get gelato – but we want them to be even happier because that puts a smile on our faces.
“I see that Airlie is a tight-knit community and I know that when I treat them well, that is treating the community well.
“Whatever we can do, we want to give back to the locals.”
Gelatissimo Airlie Beach has been open for just shy of a month, but the gelateria is already raking in the approval from satisfied locals!
