From the moment you walk into the door, you’re blasted with the sweet smell of fresh, homemade bread and coffee. The sweet sensations take you on a journey from the taste of Italian ice cream, to the bright colors on the walls, and the friendly staff who welcomes you into the door. That’s what it feels like to walk into Bella Gelato.
Bella Gelato is a locally owned small business on west water street in Harrisonburg, Va. They own two local businesses in Downtown Harrisonburg; Bella Gelato, and Bella Luna, Bella Luna is a wood fire pizza place. Bella Gelato is a pastry, coffee, and Italian ice cream place. Bella Gelato is small, comfortable, and a safe place for customers to sit, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee, pastries, or Bella’s signature gelato that’s made on site.
Manager Kaila Martin believes Bella is a cozy, comfortable and safe place for customers to come and relax.
“We strive for a chill and relaxing environment, we do that with music, and friendly staff,” Martin said.
She says her favorite item to make on the menu is the french macarons. When asked about the availability of vegan and non dairy products, Martin recommended the sorbet as a non-dairy option, but said that vegan was harder to accomplish especially with pastries even though they try to incorporate vegan options when they can.
David and Aria Brennan visit Bella Gelato once or twice a month to buy Aria her favorite cookies. Aria was shy, but when asked about her feelings about Bella, she simply smiled and showed off her cookies. We also found a cute couple enjoying a refresher and some coffee, sitting outside of Bella.
Bella Gelato sets a positive impact on all customers by providing a calming in-store environment, sweet treats, fresh coffee, and delicious Italian ice cream called Gelato. Bella Gelato also benefits the community in Harrisonburg by exclusively hiring friendly, unflappable, and diligent staff members. Bella Gelato is a calming place to enjoy some Gelato with friends and family
