Help Davvero Gelato Shop open this spring

Hi, my name is Layne and I’m the owner and operator of Davvero Gelato. I started my business in the spring of 2020. From the beginning I had to exercise those critical thinking skills to get my fledging business going in the midst of a global pandemic.

That’s me

Your friendly neighborhood gelato peddler.

Here I am in the fall of 2018 as a student at Gelato University (yes, it’s a real thing) in Bologna.

Needless to say, I was really into gelato. The following month I moved back to the States after living in Istanbul for 7.5 years. It took me 1.5 years to figure out how to launch my business the leanest way possible and how to stop doubting myself.

Here is just a small sampling of obstacles Davvero has overcome over our 3+ years in business:

Obstacle 1: Can't get a business permit because of covid shutdown. Solution: Contactless pint delivery with a suggested donation.

It all started with pints

Obstacle 2: My taste tester (mom) is lactose intolerant. Solution: Develop a vegan gelato recipe that’s as good as the original.

Mom enjoying some naturally vegan gelato.

Obstacle 3: Can’t afford a $15000+ batch freezer. Solution: Start with three Italian tabletop makers.

Obstacle 4: Can’t afford a food truck. Solution: Get a pushcart and vendors license.

Our usual spot at Libby Hill Park

Obstacle 5: It’s too cold to sell gelato outdoors in the winter. Solution: Convert a mobile kitchen island into a hot chocolate/sahlep and nut butter cart.

The wintertime setup

Up to now I’ve been able to bootstrap my business with a lot of hard work, problem solving, pivoting and parental support (my mom and dad are seriously amazing, from the beginning they’ve worked countless hours for compensation in gelato).

My parents, Dave and Julie helping out at a popup

In the summer of 2021 I was able to upgrade to a real-deal gelato maker (batch freezer) and at the beginning of last year I was contemplating Davvero's next move.

Where the magic happens, my current batch freezer

2023 was a rollercoaster of a year both personally and professionally, culminating in a humbling loss followed by a surprising win. In October I was overjoyed to unexpectedly secure a brick and mortar immediately after losing “my dream” store front. It was a pivot from a new 1800 sq ft space to a cozy 500 sq ft. former barber shop from 1948. I immediately fell in love with the space, barber chairs and all.

It was in a perfect location full of charm and nostalgia. My grandfather owned a body shop for 70+ years right down the road. Not to mention the rent was affordable and the landlord flexible.

My new brick and mortar is small and unconventional, but I envision the quaint production space with a to go counter for coffee and gelato. I’d even keep a chair in a nod to its previous life as The Community Barber Shop.

After my Health inspector consulted on the space and potential renovations, it was a pleasant surprise to find out we didn’t require any structural changes. Plumbing should be straight ahead because there are already plentiful waterlines in place; 3 hair washing sinks to a 3 compartment sink, this project didn’t seem so daunting after all. I secured my county business permit and received confirmation that we were already appropriately zoned; even better, we didn’t require change of use approval! I was feeling pretty optimistic about the conversion and its seeming lack of major obstacles…..that was until our consultation with Dominion Energy.

Long story short: I have to purchase a new batch freezer because it will cost $30,000+ and involve erecting a new power pole to use my current three phase machine.

Positive: I've found a new single phase, counter top gelato maker that fits the bill and yields the same amount of gelato as my current machine.

The best batch freezer for the job

The catch: Even if I sell my batch freezer I’ll still be about 10K short. Enter my first unplanned obstacle of 2024!

Meanwhile, I was already working on a crowd funding campaign to purchase an espresso machine along with some other equipment and flooring. I have big dreams for my tiny shop and limited resources to accomplish them.

Ive been dreaming of incorporating affogatos and European style espresso drinks to the new menu

To be honest, this holiday season was less profitable than anticipated and I’ve taken on some debt to fund the buildout. Now, with this added expense I really need some help in overcoming my latest obstacle.

Thank you so much if you’ve made it this far. Please know donation or not, I appreciate everyone of you so much ❤️

I’m so grateful for the community of gelato enthusiasts that have supported Davvero Gelato from the beginning. Any donation amount will go a long way towards realizing our goal of opening Davvero Gelato Shop in the spring. We’re still planning to popup at our old haunts, but now we’ll have a permanent home with regular hours, an expanded menu, with a barber chair to boot (no haircuts though).

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I can’t wait to see you at the Gelato Shop!