The first heatwave of the summer (technically known as a “heat dome”) arrives later this week, but a new gelato place in Hell's Kitchen has opened just in time to help keep the neighborhood cool.
Meteorologists predict that New York City temperatures will rise into the mid-90s by the end of this week, making it the hottest summer on record. Gelatoville opened provisionally on Ninth Avenue between West 48th and West 47th Streets two weeks ago and celebrated its grand opening on Saturday.
The restaurant was founded by Ahmet Kuzey Demircioglu, a Turkish entrepreneur who has been based in Hell's Kitchen for the past five years.
Ahmet, a former model who began modeling in Turkey at age 22, became fascinated with gelato during the pandemic and decided to open a store. The first Gelatoville store opened in the East Village two years ago, but Ahmet is excited to open one in his hometown.
Prior to opening his store, Ahmet traveled to Italy and sampled over 100 different types of gelato across the country, ultimately finding his favorite in Florence. He flew a chef halfway across the world to teach his New York chef and staff how to make the most authentic gelato from scratch. Flavors include strawberry cheesecake, blueberry, and Gelatoville's signature.
We offer a range of whole milk flavours including the smoothest vanilla you'll ever taste, as well as a range of dairy-free sorbets. Our vegan flavours of pistachio and hazelnut are made with almond milk.
“Gelatoville is really exciting because I feel like there's a lack of gelato in the city,” says Ahmet, who hopes to change that by opening at least six or seven stores in New York and a branch in London.
Neighbors are excited about the opening, said Ahmet Ozdemir, manager of Gelatoville, who also lives in Hell's Kitchen.
“People are tired of the tobacco shop on the corner and they say they really need this store,” he said.
Painted in bright green and white, the shop has a cool, summery feel with high ceilings and a large, third space perfect for catching up with friends. In addition to gelato, the shop will also serve Austrian coffee and will have a pastry and brunch menu.
Ahmet Kuzey said above all else, his goal is to create a “friendly environment.”
“I tell everyone I hire, just be generous,” he said. “You're entitled to give free samples to every employee. Be generous, be kind.”
Here are other places to stay cool in Hell's Kitchen this week (and all summer long):
If you need to take shelter from the heat while outside your home, New York City will activate a map of cooling centers if temperatures reach 95 degrees for two consecutive days or exceed 100 degrees in a single day.
