Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Bertoni.
Julio, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the 3rd generation of gelato makers in my family, a company that started in 1952 in Argentina. In the year 2000, I opened the first gelato shop in Miami at its time called Dolce Vita. Several years later the company started growing causing more and more stores to open and the name changed to Bertoni gelato. Ultimately a total of 12 gelato stores, it was a success in Miami due to the quality and integrity of the ingredients. In addition to this, I also supply gelato to the top hotels and restaurants in Miami. In 2012 I won the Entrepreneur of the year award from the Greater Miami Chambers of commerce. At the start of 2019, I was hired by Master Gelato Maker Stefano Versace gelato, a company that grows more and more every year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Coming to the United States in the year 2000 where there was no Gelato Culture was extremely challenging. I had to educate and open people’s minds and taste palettes to the art of Gelato. The ice cream was only sold in supermarkets and it wasn’t a custom for customers to physically go to ice cream stores. Dolce Vita at its time was one of the first typical Italian Gelato stores to attract customers to not just purchase gelato but to sit down and enjoy it. In addition to this new concept, we had the gelato factory in visible sight so consumers could see how their gelato was being made.
Tell us more about the business.
I am an executive Gelato maker meaning I handle the quality of the gelato by controlling the ingredients. Our gelato is authentically Italian crafted and has a very familiar taste to any Italian delicious Italian gelato. I was able to keep my families sacred recipe and better it throughout the years by taking risks. Our high quality ingredients set us apart from all other gelato stores around.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe without passion you won’t be able to chase your dreams no matter how much luck you have. Your passions will always keep you going in your life and business.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14951 royal oaks lane North Miami FL 33181
- Website: stefanoversacegelato.com
- Phone: 3053032061
- Email: juliobertoni@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bertonijulito/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julio.bertoni.9
Image Credit:
Almendra Bertoni
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