Local family enjoyed gelato so much that they decided to sell it downtown

By Wendy Geist
Gazette-Times reporter

Gregg and Corinne Oberlin took a trip to Italy last spring to visit a daughter who was studying abroad. Little did they know they would fall in love with gelato after sampling the Italian frozen treat in every town they visited. Of course, they couldn't bring it home in their suitcases, so they decided to open a gelateria of their own.

Francesco's Gelato Caffe opened last Monday at 208 S.W. 2nd St. and has seen a steady stream of business. The Oberlins and daughters Monica, Bonnie, Natalie and Vanessa are working daily, welcoming new customers and handing out samples of their 24 showcased flavors.

"I think it's definitely a trend that's catching on," said Gregg Oberlin. "A lot of people are familiar with it. The average American who has been to Italy has had it."

Francesco's is striving to be as authentic as possible to duplicate Italian gelato.

Gregg and Natalie Oberlin attended a school in Texas in June to learn the processes used in making gelato from Italian teacher Luciano Ferrari. The flavors, which run the gamut from mango to pistachio, don't contain any imitation extracts or additives and are imported directly from Italy. The finished product is served in small plastic cups with small plastic spoons, which also come from Italy.

Among the 24 flavor selections, which vary from day to day, are traditional Italian favorites such as tiramisu, pana cotta and chocolate hazelnut. But the most popular flavors so far have been mint chocolate chip, coffee and chocolate peanut butter, said Corinne Oberlin.

Gelato is made differently from ice cream. Because no air is introduced into it, gelato is denser. It also has a lower butterfat content than ice cream and is served at a slightly higher temperature. Francesco's gelato contains 8 percent butterfat.

Gregg Oberlin, a construction contractor, did most of the renovation work himself, giving a distinctive look to the 1,200-square-foot space, previiously part of the old Lewis Paint Store.

The kitchen is housed inside a replica of an Italian building. Arches, pillars and other architectural details surround the eating spaces, and the wall is painted with a mural of St. Francis of Assisi. The building's old marble floor was left intact.

Gelato at Francesco's is sold in three sizes: piccolo for $1.95, medio for $2.95 and generoso for $3.95. The store also carries panini and espresso. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.