Frost, A Gelato Shoppe
Frost, A Gelato Shoppe is a privately owned gelato company located in Tucson, Arizona. The company, started in 2005 by two University of Arizona alumni, has three stores in the Tucson area and has earned many awards and accolades since its inception.The company's main product is authentic Italian-style gelato and sorbet that is made on location daily with ingredients imported from Italy itself, made with Italian machinery and showcased in Italian display cases . Frost also serves an array of gelato-based items such as gelato cakes and blended beverages.
History
Frost was started in May, 2005 by Jeff Kaiserman and Stephen Ochoa after a trip to Italy.
After taking the courses at "Gelato University" in North Carolina, Kaiserman and Ochoa decided they wanted to make their store as authentic as possible and brought in a master gelato chef from Bologna, Italy named Nazario Melchionda to help them open their store. They helped him obtain an O-1 visa, and he added his expertise to the company.
Awards
Frost has been recognized throughout the city of Tucson for accomplishments ranging from best ice cream/gelato to outstanding business growth. Some of the awards the company and its owners have received:
- April, 2006 - Emergent Entrepreneurs Award from the Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona
- January, 2009 - Best Ice Cream shop from the readers of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine (fifth consecutive)
- September, 2009 - Best Ice Cream in Tucson from Tucson Weekly magazine (second consecutive)
- October, 2009 - Wells Fargo Copper Cactus Award for Business Growth
- November, 2009 - Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth from Tucson Home Magazine