Since launching in Sydney more than 20 years ago, Gelatissimo’s award-winning artisan gelato has attracted a dedicated following.
And there’s no one more dedicated than Gelatissimo’s first Ipswich store owners, Li Zhou and Vanessa Wei Wang.
“We first got to know Gelatissimo when we were living in Canberra several years ago now,” Li said.
“We moved up to Queensland to start a family and opened our first store in Bulimba, Brisbane.
“When the opportunity came to expand to Ipswich’s new city heart, we jumped at the chance. We haven’t looked back.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct is fantastic with the central location, proximity to office buildings, schools and cultural centres like the gallery and libraries. It’s got it all.
“We live in Ipswich, our kids go to school here, and we love that we now have our business here too.
We’ve seen steady growth over time, and we can’t see us ever going anywhere else.
“The only way from here is up.”
Gelatissimo’s artisan gelato is made fresh in-store daily, with only the best ingredients. As well as innovative flavours and indulgent ranges, there’s something for everyone with a range of vegan-friendly, made without dairy, and made without gluten options to suit a variety of dietary needs.
“Gelatissimo has a huge range of 50 or so flavours to choose from that we can offer in our store,” Li explains.
“We select our range based on what our customers tell us they love the most and we’re always happy to take requests. For me, I can’t pick one favourite. The mango is so refreshing, and the cheesecake flavour is delicious too. The classic chocolate gelato is always a favourite, and it won at the Australian Dairy Industry Awards last year.”
3 Questions for Li
- Why did you choose the precinct to open Gelatissimo?
When we came across the plans for Nicholas Street Precinct, we immediately saw the potential. Its central location, how it’s close to schools, offices, and parks – it’s right in the heart of the action. It connects to Top of Town and is so close to all the features of the city like the Ipswich Art Gallery and the Children’s Library. It’s a place where people work and gather. - What does the emerging city heart mean for Gelatissimo?
It means there is always something happening and plenty to look forward to as time goes on. Tulmur Place has a busy schedule of events for everyone to enjoy from markets to school holiday programs and the ever-popular St Nicholas Precinct at Christmas time. We were one of the first few businesses to open up in the precinct, and it’s fantastic to see it continue to grow and change as more retailers and restaurants call it home. We can’t wait for the cinemas too, of course. - What’s the future looking like for Gelatissimo in the precinct?
We love it here, and we’re looking forward to a bright future in the precinct. We can see how it’s growing and getting busier over time and with more businesses moving in, there’s so much to look forward to. We can’t wait to be the go-to for movie-goers before and after they head to the Venue or people enjoying the revived Hotel Commonwealth across the road. We can’t wait.
