IN THE NEWS
We're thrilled—and humbled—that the Richmond Community loves our ice cream as much as we do!
The Virginia Pilot, May 14, 2019
Beaches are for ice cream. But for an ocean town that’s a summer destination for tourists, Virginia Beach has been a little shy on local-made ice cream up to now – at least until you dip south into the farmland.
But this is about to change in a big way. By the time summer hits, three new all-Virginia craft ice cream shops are set to open locations in the Beach.
One is a 35-year-old Richmond tradition with five locations. One’s a new artisan shop from Roanoke. And one is entirely homegrown...
In Hilltop, Steve and Kim Rosser plan the first location outside Richmond for Gelati Celesti, a 35-year-old Italian-style ice cream company. A decade ago, the husband-and-wife team took over the original ice-cream shop from their friend Peter Edwards. They’ve been in expansion mode ever since, growing to five shops in their hometown and opening a new production facility.
But the Rossers have roots in Virginia Beach, too. Kim Rosser spent part of her childhood at the Beach, and Steve Rosser has been vacationing in the area since childhood.
The shop will have 36 flavors on hand at all times, including their two most popular: a fudgy Chocolate
Decadence the restaurant describes as being as being as thick as brownie batter, and their Just Ask, made with white chocolate, peanut butter and oreos.
According to Steve Rosser, what differentiates their ice cream from others is the cream they source from farms in Pennsylvania, and a proprietary process they borrowed from the Italians to whip much less air into their ice cream. This leads to a denser, richer base. In essence, their ice cream is a bit like gelato, but made with cream instead of milk.
“The FDA has rules on how much air can be in ice cream,” Rosser said. “The rule is it has to weigh 4.5 pounds per gallon. We’re about double that.”
At the grand opening on May 24, Rosser said, the shop will give away “one large scoop” of the shop’s 14-percent butterfat ice cream to every customer who rolls in. Mayor Bobby Dyer will also be on hand to cut the ribbon.
The Virginia Pilot, April 29, 2019
There are crews working inside the storefront next to the Nawab restaurant on First Colonial Road. What’s happening?
Richmond-based Gelati Celesti is bringing its Italian-style ice cream to the Hilltop West Shopping Center.
Founded in 1984 with one store, Steve Rosser bought the company in 2010 and has expanded to five locations.
“Our handmade ice cream uses less air and takes longer to make, so the product is denser and creamier,” said Rosser. “We keep 24 flavors available on a full-time basis and continually rotate 12 in and out. Over the course of the year, we’ll serve 175 to 250 different flavors.”
The store is expected to open Memorial Day weekend, and operate seven days per week.
Southside Daily, April 15, 2019
VIRGINIA BEACH — Gelati Celesti Ice Cream, a Richmond-based and family-owned craft ice cream maker, is opening a store in the city at Hilltop West over Memorial Day weekend.
“We have received hundreds of requests for a Virginia Beach location and we’ve been working on finding the perfect spot for some time,” said owner Steve Rosser. “We are very excited to start scooping ice cream in Virginia Beach and believe Hilltop West is the ideal location. Like our other five stores, we hope our Virginia Beach store becomes a community spot where friends and families gather to celebrate, indulge in a sweet treat and enjoy a few moments of pure joy.”
Gelati Celesti, a well-established brand in the Richmond market, is known for its artisanal ice cream, the ice cream business said in a news release.
The small-batch process uses special Italian equipment and a proprietary process that minimizes the air whipped into the product, making it uniquely flavorful, thick and creamy, according to the company.
As the company continues to enjoy strong growth and a healthy expansion plan, the hand-crafted process remains the cornerstone of the brand, Rosser said.
Rosser noted, “It may take longer, but we think it makes our ice cream that much better.”
The Virginia Beach store will offer the complete menu of 24 house favorites and hundreds of rotating flavors that showcase both classic and unique flavor profiles, as well as ice cream cakes, pies and cookies.
The address of the Virginia Beach location is 754 First Colonial Road.
Hours of operation will be Sunday through Thursday noon to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday noon to 11 p.m.
To learn more about Gelati Celesti, click here.
BizSense, September 17, 2018
As its peak season draws to a close, a local ice cream maker has added to its holdings in the city. Gelati Celesti this month acquired the Boyer’s Ice Cream and Coffee shop at 5808 Grove Ave. Boyer’s will be converted into a Gelati Celesti location – the chain’s fifth outpost.
Steve Rosser, who owns Gelati Celesti with his wife Kim, said the deal closed Sept. 7. Terms were not disclosed.
Gelati Celesti already had been wholesaling its ice cream to Boyer’s, and Rosser said the Boyer family approached him and Kim with an offer to sell.
Style Weekly, September 13, 2018
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Last week, Gelati Celesti announced its acquisition of Boyer’s Ice Cream and Coffee at 5808 Grove Ave. The family-owned shop has been selling Gelati’s ice cream since its 2008 opening and will be remodeled and rebranded with the Gelati Celesti name within the next couple months.
In a recent press release, owner Steve Rosser describes the location as an “ideal complement to our other locations across the city.” Boyer’s will operate as usual for the next six to eight weeks.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 11, 2018
In about six to eight weeks, Boyer’s Ice Cream and Coffee on Grove Avenue near Libbie Avenue will become the fifth Gelati Celesti shop in the Richmond region.
Gelati Celesti, a local chain of ice cream shops run by husband-and-wife team Steve and Kim Rosser, announced Tuesday it has acquired the family-owned ice cream business at 5808 Grove Ave.
Boyer’s was founded in 2008 by John and Kimberly Boyer, who ran the shop until 2014 when three of their children — Katey, Dawson, and Caleb, and their spouses — started to oversee the operations, according to an announcement from Gelati Celesti.
WTVR, September 11, 2018
Gelati Celesti announced today that it will be opening its fifth Richmond store after acquiring Boyer’s Ice Cream and Coffee, a family-owned business located in the Shops at Libbie and Grove at 5808 Grove Avenue.
VA Council of CEOs, June 26, 2018
We believe Steve Rosser might just be the happiest man in the world.
We met him earlier this month at his new 9,250-square-foot production facility at 1908 North Hamilton Street in Richmond, just five weeks after the facility started producing what is arguably one of the most addictive of products ever made: Gelati Celesti ice cream.
We were worried Steve might not have time to chat in the middle of opening a new production facility during his busiest time of year, but, as usual, he was welcoming and all smiles. And why not? He’s grown a small ice cream shop with a small production area out back and a staff of nine into a local ice cream shop icon – with four retail stores, a wholesale customer stream and 110 employees.
Steve’s product may be a soft sell, but don’t underestimate this entrepreneur. He’s an accomplished businessman with a point to prove. We spoke to him about managing growth and balancing work and life. We learned about what he considers the most important business decision he’s made and more. Here’s what this VACEOs member had to say.
VA Foodie, February 12, 2018
Still craving the cold? Gelati Celesti in Richmond, with their line of house favorites (Birthday Cake, Salted Caramel) and rotational options (Peanut Butter Chip, Cherry Almond Amaretto) is always sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their cones and bowls are cheerfully served up from food carts and storefronts, and can be catered for special events (wedding, anyone?).
Richmond BizSense, September 8, 2017
Increased demand and a banner summer of sales have prompted a local ice cream purveyor to grab a few extra scoops of industrial space in the city. Richmond-based Gelati Celesti is opening a production facility in 9,250 square feet at 1908 N. Hamilton St. – nearly quadruple the size of its existing facility on nearby Dabney Road.
Steve Rosser, who owns the company with his wife Kim, confirmed it has signed a lease for the new building.
“We’re very excited about this next phase of growth for our company,” Rosser said. “Expanding our production facility is going to be key to our plans to grow throughout Richmond and beyond.”
Virginia Living, February 15, 2017
On February 9, Richmond’s Gelati Celesti opened its fourth location at 1400 North Boulevard in Scott’s Addition. Owners Steve and Kim Rosser, who purchased the 33-year-old small batch ice cream business from the Edmonds family in 2010, say they are excited to be a part of this up-and-coming neighborhood. They join craft distilleries, including Isley Brewing Company, Ardent Craft Ales and Blue Bee Cider, as well as an eclectic mix of small businesses, hip coffee houses and eateries. The Rossers have really gotten to know the neighbors. At a preview party Feb. 8, the menu featured flavors like Ironclad Coffee, with ground coffee beans sourced directly from the roasters across the street; Buskey Cider, from around the corner; and Whiskey Me Away, made with Reservoir Bourbon.
Richmond BizSense, February 10, 2017
A local ice cream chain is up and running on the Boulevard.
Gelati Celesti on Thursday opened its new store at 1400 N. Boulevard, on the ground floor of the redeveloped ARC printing building. It’s the fourth location for owners Steve and Kim Rosser, and the brand’s second in city limits.
The new 2,100-square-foot store joins the original Gelati Celesti shop at 8906 W. Broad St. in the Gold’s Gym Plaza shopping center, an outpost in the Stony Point Shopping Center on the Southside, and in the Corner at Short Pump.
Boomer Magazine, February 9, 2017
A sweet, new neighbor has joined the business community in the up and coming Scott’s Addition neighborhood.
Richmond staple Gelati Celesti celebrated the opening of their fourth location Feb. 9. At a private soft opening Feb. 8, the owners Steve and Kim Rosser and their staff were surrounded excited Richmonders, community partners and friends. The 2,100 square-foot building, the company’s largest store, will serve up 24 house flavors along with rotating favorites. To add the cherry on top, the store will also offer flavors created through local collaborations with neighboring breweries, distilleries and coffee roasters. So far, Gelati Celesti has teamed up with Buskey Cider, Ironclad Coffee Roasters and Reservoir Distillery.
Ice cream lovers, get excited, because the Scott’s Addition location of Gelati Celesti opens to the public today at noon! And if you stop by on opening day, you might be treated to something special…
The new shop is located at 1400 N. Boulevard, at the corner of Boulevard and Norfolk Street. It has all the ice cream you’ve come to know and love, along with industrial, yet inviting feel we’ve come to expect in Scott’s Addition. This is the fourth and largest location to date.
We had a chance to check out the sweet new digs at a preview event last night, and even Governor Terry McAuliffe was there to celebrate the success and growth that Gelati Celesti has experienced since opening in 1984.
Two smiling people emerged from the newly opened Gelati Celesti location on Boulevard, and exclaimed,“it’s snowing?!” as light flurries flitted through the city.
The day before, as employees scrambled to get everything ready, the garage door which opens to Norfolk Street let in a 70-degree breeze.
The 30-degree dip in weather didn't keep people from stopping by the Scott’s Addition storefront. By lunch time they had given out almost 100 toddler cups, and a steady stream of folks continued to arrive.
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Longtime ice cream chain Gelati Celesti has been tantalizing our taste buds with their decadent and rich flavors since the 80s. Since 2011, they’ve expanded all over Richmond and even have a food truck, and now owner Steve Rosser and his wife Kim are bringing their 36 homemade small-batch ice cream flavors to Scott’s Addition.
“I live in the city, I live in the Fan, and I’ve wanted to have a store in that area for a long time,” said Rosser. “Finding the right location was a challenge.”
Richmond Magazine, January 27, 2017
In some sweet news, Gelati Celesti's finally got an opening date for its new Scott's Addition ice cream shop, and it's the local chain's largest location yet. When it opens on Feb. 9 at 1400 N. Boulevard, expect an industrial vibe, plus a number of collaborations with other RVA businesses, in the new 2,100-square-foot space. “We selected this location partly because of the incredible craft scene that is quickly defining the area,” owner Steve Rosser says in a news release.“
Richmond BizSense, January 25, 2017
The eastern border of Richmond’s hottest neighborhood is about to get a frosty new tenant.
Local ice cream chain Gelati Celesti plans to open a 2,100-square-foot store at 1400 N. Boulevard on Feb. 9.
It’ll be the fourth location for owners Steve and Kim Rosser, their biggest shop yet and the brand’s second within city limits. The new store joins the original Gelati Celesti shop at 8906 W. Broad St. in the Gold’s Gym Plaza shopping center, an outpost in the Stony Point Shopping Center on the Southside, and in the Corner at Short Pump. “To give some perspective, our Short Pump store is 1,275 square feet,” said Steve Rosser. “This is one of our biggest investments yet.”
RVAHUB, January 24, 2017
A local gourmet gelato business with multiple area stores will open its fourth location in Scott’s Addition next month. The latest store, which will be located across from the Bow Tie Movieland multiplex at 1400 N. Boulevard, is the former home of ARC Document Solutions. Door are scheduled to open February 9th.
The Scott’s Addition location will be the largest yet, coming in at 2,200 square feet. Using historic tax credits, the building has been restored to its former glory and will feature a large, original garage door that will open from the storefront to a patio near the rear of the building. Co-owner Steve Rosser described the undertaking as a “major renovation” in an interview we conducted with him in January of last year.
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream to open Scott’s Addition location in February
WTVR, January 23, 2017
One of Richmond’s most popular ice cream chains is officially opening in Scott’s Addition this winter.
Gelati Celesti will open on The Boulevard on Thursday, February 9, 2017. The highly anticipated ice cream store had initially planned to open its fourth location in late summer 2016. The new popular ice cream shop will be located across from Bowtie Cinemas, at 1400 N. Boulevard.
Style Weekly, January 23, 2017
Gelati Celesti will open its newest shop on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 1400 N. Boulevard. This will be the ice cream store’s fourth location. It’s also Gelati Celesti’s largest shop and will boast both a roll-up garage door and a community table. Owner Steve Rosser tapped 37 Design Studios’s Peter Fraser to create the industrial-inflected interior. The two have worked together on other locations.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 23, 2017
It's been just over a year since Gelati Celesti Ice Cream announced that it was opening a location in Scott's Addition - and now there's an opening date. The fourth location of the ice cream shop at 1400 N. Boulevard will open on Thursday, Feb. 9.
"Our fourth store is our largest space to date and celebrates the industrial vibe and spirit of craft that defines the neighborhood. In fact, we’re partnering with many of the neighboring breweries, distilleries, and coffee roasters to create locally inspired ice cream flavors," Heidi LaSalata, marketing manager for the Richmond company, wrote in the news release.
WWBT, January 23, 2017
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream will open a new location in Richmond's Scott's Addition neighborhood. The ice cream parlor will set up shop at 1400 N. Boulevard on Feb. 9.
“We selected this location partly because of the incredible craft scene that is quickly defining the area,” said Steve Rosser, owner of Gelati Celesti. “In addition to our 24 house favorites and hundreds of rotating favorites, we’re partnering with many of the neighboring breweries, distilleries, and coffee roasters to create locally inspired flavors."
Richmond BizSense, January 7, 2016
A local ice cream maker is dishing out a new location in Scott’s Addition as a new burger joint fires up a few doors down.
Gelati Celesti announced Wednesday plans to open a new shop in the 2,200-square-foot space at 1400 N. Boulevard. It will be the ice cream brand’s fourth location since launching in Richmond in 1984.
Richmond Mag, January 7, 2016
And looking further ahead, local ice cream outpost Gelati Celesti just locked down a new space for its fourth location, and it's set to open at 1400 N. Boulevard in Scott's Addition by the end of summer. "We selected Scott’s Addition as the location for our new store because of its convenience to the Fan, North Side and Malvern area," owner Steve Rosser says in a news release. If that isn't sweet news, we don't know what is.
Style Weekly, January 6, 2016
Children will scream — actually, most people of any age in the city will probably make a little noise when they hear that Gelati Celesti is coming to 1400 N. Boulevard. Owner Steve Rosser cited the location’s proximity to the Fan District, North Side and Sauer’s Gardens as a deciding factor when choosing the spot for the new store.
"Scott’s Addition is a burgeoning neighborhood and we are thrilled to announce that we have signed a lease,” he said in news release.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 6, 2016
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream is opening a new location this summer at 1400 N. Boulevard in Scott's Addition.
This will be the local ice cream chain's fourth location.
RVA News, January 6, 2016
Gelati Celesti, a local gourmet gelato business with four area stores, will open its fourth location in Scott’s Addition this summer. The latest store, which will be located across from the Bow Tie Movieland multiplex at 1400 North Boulevard, is the former home of ARC Document Solutions.
WWBT, January 6, 2016
As the winter chill settles in this week, a Richmond ice cream store announced plans to open a fourth location this year.
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream is set to open in Scott’s Addition at 1400 N. Boulevard later in the summer. "We selected Scott’s Addition because of its convenience to the Fan, Northside and Malvern area," said Steve Rosser, owner of Gelati Celesti.
WTVR, January 6, 2016
One of Richmond’s oldest and most popular ice cream chains has confirmed plans to move into the burgeoning Scott’s Addition district, an area quickly being claimed by developers and restaurants as it transitions away from its industrial past.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 8, 2015
How much Chocolate Decadence ice cream does it take to satisfy Gelati Celesti’s Richmond-area customers?
So far in 2015, the ice cream retailer has churned out about 3,000 gallons of the creamy fudge-and-brownie-like flavor, about enough for 98,000 small-cup servings.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 8, 2015
An ice cream retailer, a maker of electric-vehicle charging devices and a company on the front end of the crowdfunding movement were among businesses recognized Wednesday as the Richmond area’s most promising ventures.
Six companies were selected as this year’s “RVA Companies to Watch” by Venture Forum RVA, a group that supports entrepreneurs and startup companies in the Richmond region.
Richmond BizSense, July 11, 2014
A local ice cream maker is testing Short Pump’s appetite for sweets. Richmond-based Gelati Celesti, which currently dishes out gelato from two locations and a truck, has scooped up space for its third storefront.
Owners Steve and Kim Rosser plan to open at the Corner at Short Pump at West Broad Street and Lauderdale Drive in November.
Richmond Magazine, May 17, 2015
Lovers of ice cream (aka "errybody"), this might be a calendar clearer: On Wednesday, May 13, all three Gelati Celesti locations — Broad Street, Short Pump and Bon Air — will roll out four new flavors. "So what," you say. "They do that all time."
Well, this is different. These flavors are the brainchildren of the local chain's in-house competition, in which employees and the ice cream truck go head to head, and you can only get them for ONE WEEK. A winner will be judged at the Short Pumpl ocation on May 19, at which point the flavors may fade into the ether, forever.
RVA News, December 2, 2014
The future looks sweet for Steve and Kim Rosser, as they continue to grow Richmond’s 30-year-old ice cream empire Gelati Celesti with new flavors and new locations.
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Richmond Magazine, November 19, 2014
Feast your eyes upon Gelati Celesti's new location at Short Pump; then Thursday, when the new shop opens, feast on the independent chain's three new anniversary flavors, celebrating 30 years of handmade frozen treats. Hitting the big three-oh never tasted so sweet.
Tucked into its own corner of The Corner at Short Pump, the new Gelati Celesti sports light fixtures made from vintage milk bottles, walls made from reclaimed Virginia barn wood, and art made from quirky ice cream scoops that greet you on either side as you enter the building.
Style Weekly, November 18, 2014
Ice cream sneaks up on you. Just a taste becomes two or three spoonfuls, and before you know it, you're looking at the bottom of an empty container that you want to hide in the bottom of the trash can before anyone sees.
Going to an ice-cream store is a different experience. And Gelati Celesti in the West End has honed the way people enjoy the frozen goodness for 30 years. "I always tell people," owner Steve Rosser says, "ice cream is not a food — it's a treat."
Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 17, 2014
Gelati Celesti opened its first homemade Italian ice cream shop 30 years ago. Now the company plans to open its third store Thursday.
The 1,275-square-foot ice cream shop will be in The Corner at Short Pump at Lauderdale Drive and West Broad Street in Henrico County. It will be next to Zoe’s Kitchen in the same center with Kroger and the Olive Garden.
Virginia Business, November 10, 2014
Gelati Celesti, a local ice cream company, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the opening of a third location at The Corner at Short Pump in Henrico County.
The new store at 11805 W. Broad St. will open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 20. Company officials will be serving handmade ice cream along with a toast during a private party at the new location on Nov. 19.
Richmond BizSense, May 29, 2013
A West End ice cream maker is hitting the road.
Gelati Celesti started operating an ice cream truck last week. Owner Steve Rosser said the truck will make regular appearances at summer festivals, office parks and food truck courts.
After serving sweet treats in the West End for 28 years, a local ice cream shop is finally crossing the James River and adding a second location.
Gelati Celesti is expanding to the Stony Point Shopping Center in April.