On a typical summer evening in Paterson, kids run up to Gelotti with big smiles and even bigger appetites, while parents line up behind them. The smell of fresh ice cream, hot fudge, and sugar cones drifts out the door. Behind the counter, familiar faces scoop handmade ice cream with a smile, swapping stories with regulars.
For over 40 years, Gelotti has been more than just an ice cream shop—it’s a community hub, where memories are made and smiles are fed with plenty of frozen treats.
A Scoop of History
Gelotti’s story began in 1984 when Salvatore Sigona opened a modest storefront on Union Avenue in Paterson. The mission was simple: make the freshest ice cream possible, using real ingredients and a lot of heart. Over the decades, Gelotti grew from a local favorite to a New Jersey institution, beloved for rich gelatos, creamy soft serves, and flavors that evoke memories.
“Gelotti was always more than an ice cream shop,” says Salvatore’s son Robert Sigona. “It was a place where families made memories, where kids would come with their parents and, years later, return with their own.”
For Sigona, those memories were personal. “I grew up running around in the back as a little kid, with the employees looking after me. They even taught me how to write and spell my own name,” he recalls. “When I was 10, I saw how hard those same people worked, so I would voluntarily wash buckets for them out of respect and care for the people who cared for me and my family,” he continues.
“Then one day, as a teenager, I walked through the warehouse, boxes stacked 30 feet high in constant rotation, and it hit me like a wave: ‘I was born for this.’ From that moment, my perspective changed forever, and I haven’t stopped since.”
After years in business operations and local entrepreneurship, he saw an opportunity to carry on a tradition that meant something to both the community and himself. “When I took over Gelotti, I didn’t just see a business,” he explains. “I saw a legacy. I saw a chance to protect something that’s part of who we are in Paterson.”
Honoring Heritage
Gelotti proudly displays on its packaging: “Homemade and hand-packed since 1984.”
Heritage is woven into every scoop, and for Robert, maintaining that connection is personal. “Growing up, I’d hear adults and parents of my friends say, ‘You own Gelotti? I grew up there! We used to hang out in the parking lot on weekends, eating ice cream and showing off our cars.’ That always stuck with me. I wanted to bring that vibe back.”
He did just that with a car show for Gelotti’s 40th anniversary, celebrating a tradition dating back to the 80s and 90s, when kids and teens would gather in the lot with IROCs, Corvettes, Mustangs, and more, listening to music, drinking milkshakes, and enjoying a sense of community.
The gatherings became so popular that Sigona recalls his father having to hire a cop to direct traffic. Plans are already in motion to continue these shows for the 45th and 50th anniversaries, paying homage to the stories and memories of generations who grew up at Gelotti.
The Art of Staying Authentic
In a world of mass-produced desserts and neon-colored novelty treats, Gelotti stands out for authenticity. Every batch of gelato and ice cream is made by hand, using recipes that date back decades.
“When you walk in, the smell, the feeling, it’s real,” says Sigona. “We’re not pouring mix into a machine and calling it homemade. We’re creating, blending, and experimenting with real ingredients every single day.”
That level of care is rare today, but Sigona believes it’s exactly what customers crave—not just a product, but an experience. “People want something with soul. You can taste when something’s made with intention. You can feel it when it’s real.”
Each small batch is mixed, churned, and tasted until the texture and flavor are perfect. Seasonal ingredients like local fruits, nuts, and chocolates find their way into new creations, while classics like Pistachio, Rainbow, and Cookie Monster remain as longtime fans remember them.
“People tell me, ‘This tastes like my childhood,’” Sigona says with a smile. “That’s the best compliment we could get.”
Balancing Heritage with Hustle
For Sigona, running Gelotti means honoring the past without getting stuck in it.
“When you inherit a brand like Gelotti, you’re maintaining a piece of local culture. But you also have to evolve,” he explains.
That evolution comes through smart storytelling. Gelotti’s social media presence showcases old-school charm on new-school platforms: behind-the-scenes videos, throwbacks, and heartfelt posts celebrating Paterson’s heritage.
“We wanted our accounts to feel like the shop,” he says. “Warm, real, and full of personality. No gimmicks, no filters… just us being us.”
The strategy works. Gelotti draws followers from all over the tri-state area. On summer weekends, lines stretch out the door. Families laugh together, kids bounce with anticipation, and yet nothing about the in-store experience feels corporatized. There are no self-serve kiosks or robot baristas—just a friendly team and an owner who still rolls up his sleeves and serves when the rush hits.
The Heart of Paterson
For Sigona, success isn’t measured in sales charts, it’s measured in smiles (and scoops).
“This city means everything to me,” he says. “Paterson is tough, passionate, and diverse. It’s where people work hard for what they love. That’s the same spirit we put into every scoop.”
Over the years, Gelotti has become a symbol of local pride. Sigona’s commitment is evident in local sponsorships, charity events, and partnerships with neighborhood schools. “We’ve had kids come through for their first jobs, then see them years later with their own families. That’s the full circle. That’s why we do it.”
During the pandemic, when many shops closed, Gelotti pivoted with curbside service, pre-packed pints, and online ordering. Robert also delivered ice cream to local hospitals and first responders. “It was never about profit during that time,” he reflects. “Ice cream might seem small, but it brings comfort. Sometimes, that’s everything.”
The Recipe for Longevity
The secret to running a successful ice cream shop for over 40 years? “Care,” says Sigona. “Care about the product. The people. The details. And the story.”
The team knows the regulars by name, machines are cleaned meticulously, and even signage, music, and lighting evoke nostalgia.
“We’re not just selling ice cream,” Sigona says. “We’re selling happiness in its purest form. You can’t fake that. You can’t automate it. You have to live it.”
Looking Ahead
As Gelotti moves into its next chapter, Robert is focused on expanding without losing what makes the shop special: collaborations, limited-edition flavors. At the core, his mission stays the same: keep the magic alive.
“I want my kids and their kids to know this place the way I did,” he says. “Legacy is about keeping something meaningful alive.”
He’s also mentoring the next generation of small business owners. “Respect your craft, your team, your customers. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
In many ways, Sigona represents a new kind of entrepreneur—one who values preservation over disruption. And he does so, one scoop at a time.
The Sweet Life
As the sun sets over Paterson, the neon Gelotti sign flickers to life, casting a warm glow over the familiar line outside. Inside, laughter, chatter, and the whir of mixers blend into a timeless soundtrack.
Robert Sigona chats with customers, scooping ice cream and handing out cones—just as it’s been done for decades.
“I think that’s what makes it special,” he says. “We’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s not just about ice cream; it’s about connection. Hearing customers tell me they grew up here, hanging out in the lot, makes it all worthwhile.”
Gelotti proves some things are worth holding onto. With Robert Sigona at the helm, Patterson can rest assured: the sweetest part of the community is here to stay. Check out their website for some sweet treats here at https://gelotti.com/
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