[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING THE GELATO FIASCO

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, in anticipation of the warm spring 
weather upon us and the long summer days ahead in my home State of 
Maine, our thoughts quickly turn towards fun in the sun and cool 
refreshing treats. Today, I rise to commend and recognize The Gelato 
Fiasco, located in Brunswick, ME, for developing and growing a niche 
market serving delectable frozen gelato treats while expanding and 
creating economic opportunities across the State.
  In 2002, the founders of The Gelato Fiasco, Josh Davis and Bruno 
Tropeano, were students at Bentley University in Waltham, MA, and 
dreamed of starting their own company and becoming successful 
entrepreneurs. As the two students spent their time exploring various 
ventures, this team decided to open a homemade gelato store as a result 
of being dissatisfied with the gelato options available to them 
throughout the Northeast.
  Made mostly from milk and sugar, gelato has less fat than standard 
ice cream and also contains less air, making the final product denser. 
Taking advantage of the small gelato market that existed with an 
estimated 1,500 gelaterias total in the United States Bruno and Josh 
saw an opportunity to market a superior version of the delicious 
Italian treat. Determined to serve a top quality gelato, The Gelato 
Fiasco features only the best local ingredients available.
  In these uncertain economic times, as young entrepreneurs, Josh and 
Bruno faced unique challenges while attempting to accomplish their 
dream and receive funding for their first store. Initially, they 
pursued loans from about 20 banks but were turned down by all of them. 
However, with persistence and determination, they were able to acquire 
a $225,000 SBA-backed loan which covered the majority of their startup 
costs.
  Their premier store, The Gelato Fiasco, opened in 2007, and has 
served more than 450 flavors since its start. Even with the complex 
challenges of trying to grow during these tough economic times, Bruno 
and Josh's initial success allowed them to garner additional support 
from Coastal Enterprises Inc., CEI, a local community development 
financial institution. CEI granted this small business a $140,000 loan 
through a new crowdfunding initiative established by Starbucks CEO 
Howard Schultz called ``Create Jobs for USA.'' The Gelato Fiasco 
utilized these critical funds to expand to a second location in 
Portland, ME, buy equipment, and hire at least 10 new employees to help 
staff it.
  As this small firm continues to grow, introducing more customers to 
their gelato treat, the shop diligently produces 25 to 35 different 
flavors each morning in their store. Despite the tumultuous economy, 
Josh and Bruno remain focused on ensuring the fun-loving experience and 
quality of their gelato are consistent. Their remarkable vision has 
become a reality as their Italian style ice cream has continued to find 
its way throughout Maine and New England in various coffeehouses, 
restaurants, and grocery freezer cases.
  Despite difficult economic times and the obstacles faced by young 
entrepreneurs, the dynamic duo of Bruno Tropeano and Josh Davis has 
clearly fostered a winning strategy. I am proud to extend my praise to 
Josh and Bruno and everyone at The Gelato Fiasco for their 
entrepreneurial spirit and successful company. I offer my best wishes 
for their future endeavors.

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