GELATISSIMO: AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY IN THE PREMIUM GELATO MARKET
Overview
‘Italian Inspiration. The Australian Way. They don’t claim to have invented gelato, but they have made it our own! Inspired by the artisans of Italy, they make gelato the Australian way – with a fresh attitude and the freshest ingredients.’
Founded in Sydney in 2002, Gelatissimo has solidified its position as a leading name in artisanal gelato, celebrated for crafting gelato made fresh in-store. The brand seamlessly integrates traditional Italian gelato craftsmanship with a distinct Australian flair. Recent years have seen a transformative journey for Gelatissimo, marked by a comprehensive rebranding that includes a new logo, colour palette, brand voice, uniforms, packaging, and in-store design. This modernisation not only pays homage to the brand’s Italian heritage but also reflects its contemporary and dynamic spirit and flavour obsession. With its innovative approach and unwavering dedication to quality, Gelatissimo stands poised for continued growth.
CEO Insight
Braeden Lord, Gelatissimo’s CEO, reflects on the brand’s evolution: “Our recent transformation represents a significant leap forward in modernising our brand and enhancing our offerings. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our head office team. Their combined experience in QSR, food, and franchising has been pivotal in driving our business growth. Our focus on site and franchisee selection, training, and product development has been central to this success.”
Growth
Gelatissimo caters to a diverse demographic, including families, tourists, and locals. Its flexible store placements – ranging from city centres and shopping malls to beachside locations and regional areas – allow it to capture a wide customer base. The brand has been expanding its franchise network with five new store openings in FY24, 12 targeted for FY25, and a strategic focus on Greater Perth and regional NSW, QLD and VIC. Internationally, the brand has 20 stores across Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and 2 stores in the USA, Hawaii and Houston. “The brand continues its USA expansion with two additional master franchisees set to open three stores this year” . This expansion underscores Gelatissimo’s growing appeal and solidifies its status as a major player in the gelato industry.
Chief Development Officer’s Perspective
Anthony Shina, Gelatissimo’s Chief Development Officer, shares “At Gelatissimo, our growth strategy is driven by a commitment to quality and sustainable expansion. We are seeking passionate, dynamic, and entrepreneurial franchise partners ready to lead the way in our continued success. Our model is simple, we offer a competitive low-cost structure, and we provide an exceptional owner-operator experience, making Gelatissimo a premier choice for those eager to be at the forefront of our brand’s thriving future”
Success
Gelatissimo’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its successful rebranding and operational achievements. With 85% of stores refurbished, the brand has seen significant increases in customer satisfaction and sales performance. The opening of the 50th store in Australia is a testament to the positive market reception and ongoing demand for Gelatissimo’s premium gelato flavours. Franchisees have reported improved brand recognition and store performance, further validating the success of the brand’s transformation.
Awareness
Gelatissimo’s strategic rebranding has yielded impressive results, including a 13.8% increase in transactions, a 14% rise in topline sales, a 55% surge in website visitation, and a 7% boost in spontaneous brand awareness. The brand’s visibility has been amplified through strategic marketing collaborations with major brands like Nestlé (KitKat, Milkybar, Aero), Lindt, Sonoma, Reese’s, and Paramount Studios collaborating for the launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Mutant Mayhem last year. These partnerships have led to bespoke, limited-edition gelato flavours and packaging, marketed through Gelatissimo’s channels, expanding its reach and strengthening customer loyalty.
Effectiveness
The impact of Gelatissimo’s strategic transformation is clear in its growth metrics and franchisee success. Refurbished stores have shown notable improvements in customer satisfaction and sales, while the opening of the 50th store highlights the brand’s successful trajectory. Gelatissimo’s commitment to ongoing innovation ensures it remains at the forefront of the gelato industry, ready to adapt to market trends and consumer expectations.
Franchise Partner Perspectives
Jaime Ma’s Remarkable Journey: From Single Store to Multi-Site Success
Jaime Ma, a successful multi-site franchise partner with Gelatissimo, exemplifies the brand’s remarkable growth potential. Starting with her first store, Jaime aimed to provide a better lifestyle for her family while indulging her passion for gelato. Her journey from managing one store to owning four – including locations in Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, and Gelatissimo’s recently opened 50th store at Broadbeach – highlights Gelatissimo’s successful franchise model. Jaime’s success is attributed to the brand’s strong support system and her dedication to staff engagement and operational excellence. “Our product speaks for itself – our gelato is made fresh on-site, and our flavour obsession drives every scoop” says Jaime. Her expansion underscores the lucrative opportunities within the Gelatissimo network, driven by a passion for quality and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Gary’s Community Engagement and Brand Transformation
Gary Wilson‘s success with Gelatissimo Toowoomba exemplifies how a combination of community engagement and pride in the brand can drive business success. By actively participating in local events and supporting community initiatives, Gary has established Gelatissimo as a beloved local staple. His efforts to integrate the store into Toowoomba’s social fabric have built strong customer loyalty and enhanced the brand’s visibility. Coupled with a significant store refurbishment that introduced a modern, inviting aesthetic, Gary’s focus on both community connection and store presentation has revitalised Gelatissimo Toowoomba. This dual approach has not only boosted foot traffic and sales but also deepened the store’s role within the community, proving that thoughtful engagement and brand evolution can effectively drive business growth.
Gelatissimo: Delivering everyday moments that matter, one flavour-obsessed scoop at a time.
