Gelatissimo began in 2002 with one store in Sydney, where word-of-mouth quickly drew lines out the door. Built on artisan tradition and flavor obsession, Gelatissimo grew into a global brand with stores across Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. But entering the United States market posed a unique challenge: building consumer awareness of gelato versus ice cream, while structuring a master franchise model that could scale sustainably.
The Challenge
Despite international success, Gelatissimo faced hurdles when expanding into the U.S.:
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Low consumer understanding of what makes gelato unique compared to ice cream.
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The need for U.S.-specific franchise documentation and compliance frameworks.
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Identifying and qualifying the right master franchisees in high-potential markets like Texas, California, and Hawaii.
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Adapting operations and training systems for U.S. foodservice regulations while maintaining brand authenticity.
Gelatissimo needed a partner to translate its global reputation into a market-ready U.S. franchise system.
Our Franchise Development Approach
SL Franchise Group partnered with Gelatissimo to deliver a comprehensive U.S. development strategy:
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Market Assessment & Entry Strategy – evaluated U.S. consumer trends and prioritized warm-weather markets.
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Franchise Documentation – developed U.S.-compliant FDD and franchise agreements.
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System Development – created customized operations frameworks to ensure consistency in gelato quality and immersive store experience.
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Franchise Recruitment – supported the identification, education, and qualification of master franchisees.
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Brand Positioning – crafted marketing assets and sales tools to differentiate Gelatissimo in a competitive dessert category.
Results That Matter
With SLFG’s support, Gelatissimo successfully launched its U.S. presence in Houston, followed by new deals in California and Hawaii. The brand continues to build momentum with development in additional U.S. regions while protecting its artisan quality and global reputation.
By embedding a clear structure for U.S. franchise growth, Gelatissimo is no longer just an international favorite—it is now a scalable brand positioned to delight American consumers.
In Their Words
“SL Franchise Group has been an invaluable partner in our USA franchise development journey. Their strategic insight, industry knowledge, and hands-on support have helped strengthen Gelatissimo’s US growth across key markets. From market assessment, franchise recruitment to system development, their team consistently delivers results with professionalism and care.”
— Anthony Shina, Chief Development Officer, Gelatissimo