Gelato lovers,

Originally from Long Island, I started scooping Italian ice at a local franchise. I fell in love with the feeling of bringing joy to our guests. And after years of loyalty, an opportunity arose. Dreams of becoming a franchisee were actually possible! However, the curiosity of leaving home at the age of 20 was too strong to get me to stay. So, to Colorado I went! After 5 beautiful years of climbing new heights as a Union Iron Worker in Denver, a fender bender caused my career to end. A back injury debilitated me from doing any physical work, at all. I was bedridden for nearly 2 years, at the age of 28. Resulting in a move back home to heal, and a fear of starting over again. I was pretty lost, but knew I had to push myself and get back to the working world! And I knew exactly where to go. Scooping Italian Ice was once again a part of my reality. I had hoped I could build a future with the time spent with the local company, but it just didn’t work out that way. However, my partner Bianca, had a family business in Elmhurst. With Rosalia’s Deli already selling gelato, it only made sense to LEARN how to do it in house. The owner of Rosalias gifted me my first batch freezer, and nothing has gotten in the way since. Through all the curveballs of life, it all came back to the feeling of accomplishment I get when I see a guest take their first bite and smile. So here I am, serving you small batch artisanal gelato. Support my dream… one scoop at a time.

-Jesse Albuquerque