Gelato is a classic Italian dessert. It may look like ice cream, but anyone who has sampled it knows that it is richer, creamier, and has so much more flavor. If you own and operate an Italian restaurant, offering gelato as a dessert is a very smart move. It's easy to keep on hand and serve, and it will ensure customers leave with a smile. However, there are a few tips you will need to follow if you plan on serving gelato.
1. Buy it from a distributor.
Yes, you could buy your own equipment and work on making your own gelato. But the equipment is expensive, and there's quite an art to making this type of dessert. You are better off just ordering gelato from an established distributor. They will deliver it to your restaurant on a regular schedule, such as once a week, so you will always have gelato on hand. If you decide at some point to stop serving gelato, you can just call and end your contract; you won't have expensive equipment to sell.
2. Taste the gelato you're going to buy.
Make sure you ask the distributor if you can taste the gelato you're about to order. A good distributor will be proud of their product and will be happy to offer you some samples. They may even give you a pint or two of gelato to take back and have your kitchen staff try. Don't sign up with a distributor until you know their product meets your standards.
3. Hone in on a good schedule.
Once you start serving gelato, you do not want to run out. This is the sort of thing that customers travel to a restaurant specifically for. If they arrive because they have heard you have gelato but then hear that you are sold out, they may not stay and they may not come back. If you're not sure how much to order right off the bat, ask your distributor what they recommend. They'll know how much other restaurants of your size and caliber tend to go through. It's usually easier to order just a few flavors at first to see how they sell. Then, once you have the schedule down, you can add more new flavors.
The tips above will help you successfully begin serving gelato at your restaurant. Most people love this treat, so it should really sell itself as long as you choose a good distributor!
For more information, contact a gelato distributor like Palazzolo's Artisan Dairy.
