The line stretched out the door and around the corner of the shopping plaza, a colorful parade of eager faces waiting patiently in the crisp October air. Inside, Ariel and Daniel Husband exchanged nervous glances as they surveyed the crowd that had gathered for what was supposed to be a simple soft opening of their new gelato shop.
Daniel motioned to the Australian consultants who had come to observe and train. “It looks like you’re getting a crash course in Arkansan’s enthusiasm for gelato,” he said with a laugh.
What had been planned as a casual tasting event for Gelatissimo’s Rogers, Arkansas location had spontaneously transformed into their unofficial grand opening. Word had spread quickly through the community about the arrival of this international gelato sensation, and locals weren’t willing to wait another month to sample the goods.
The journey to this moment began when Ariel and Daniel discovered an opportunity to partner with Gelatissimo, an Australia-based artisan gelato brand known for its exceptional quality and creative flavors. The prospect was enticing, but as first-time business owners, they knew they needed guidance.
They reached out to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas, where center director Mary Beth Brooks became their steadfast ally. Together, they navigated the complex landscape of financial projections, business planning, and loan applications.
“As a startup it is challenging to understand how to make a timeline for the best order and timing expectations,” Daniel explained, reflecting on the early hurdles they faced.
Mary Beth’s expertise proved invaluable as they prepared their loan package for submission to the Small Business Administration and First Community Bank. Through a combination of their own equity investment and SBA financing, the Husbands secured the necessary funds to bring their vision to life.
The Gelatissimo space took shape as the Husbands worked alongside Ellingson Contractors of Siloam Springs. While adhering to the brand’s established template, they incorporated personal touches that reflected their own style.
The result was a warm, inviting space showcasing a dazzling display of 45 different gelato flavors ranging from rich chocolate to exotic salted macadamia nut. The menu extended beyond gelato to include refreshing sorbets, specialty coffees, and indulgent shakes, with plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options to ensure no one was left out of the experience.
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“We wanted everyone to find something they’d love,” said Ariel. “Gelato is about bringing joy, and we wanted that joy to be accessible to everyone.”
Now, watching their shop overflow with customers on what was supposed to be a quiet preview day, the Husbands realized they had tapped into something special.
The Australian consultants, who had come merely to observe the soft opening, found themselves with Gelato-mistress Hayley Husband making gelato and working behind the counter, scooping it as fast as they could. Family members were hastily recruited, aprons tied around their waists as they jumped in to help handle the unexpected rush.
By the end of that impromptu first day, it was clear that Gelatissimo had found a welcoming home in Rogers. When they officially opened in November 2024, the enthusiasm only grew.
Today, the Rogers location stands as a testament to the power of community support and quality products. Despite being closed on Mondays, it consistently outperforms the other four Gelatissimo locations across the United States.
On any given day, you’ll find a diverse crowd savoring the award-winning gelato: families gathering after school, couples on dates, friends catching up over coffee and dessert, birthday parties and solo visitors treating themselves to a moment of sweetness.
“Thank you to Mary Beth for your patience, encouragement, steadfast wisdom, and support for the past year as we pushed toward completions and the actual opening of the shop,” Ariel said, acknowledging the role their mentor played in their success. “You were an integral part of both the success prior to opening and the ongoing success that we are experiencing.”
As the Husbands look to the future, they remain committed to maintaining the high standards that have made their shop a local favorite. Each batch of gelato is still made fresh in-store, prepared with the same care and attention to detail that has defined the Gelatissimo brand worldwide.
For Rogers, Arkansas, Gelatissimo isn’t just a place to enjoy exceptional gelato—it’s become a community gathering spot, a destination for celebration, and a sweet reminder that with the right support, passion can indeed be transformed into success.
226 S 1st St,
Rogers, AR 72756
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