For those wondering if the popular Dolce Amore gelato shop on Commercial Drive would reopen after a devastating fire last summer, the short answer is yes.
Giancarlo Cusano, half of the husband-and-wife team behind the gelateria, tells V.I.A. they're planning to reopen their flagship location in the summer of 2025 after a fire gutted the cafe on August 22, 2023.
"We will be returning with an expanded concept, as we also are taking over the neighbouring corner space, formerly Hānai, so we will have a much larger storefront," Cusano explains.
Hānai was the Michelin Guide-recommended upscale Hawaiian-inspired restaurant next door at 1590 Commercial Dr. It was damaged in the same fire and forced to close.
The incoming version of Dolce Amore will also have "many new offerings," Cusano notes.
He adds that Dolce Amore is concurrently expanding in Burnaby.
"This is our new production facility where we currently sell gelato only for pickup, but we will again open an expanded concept later this year," he tells V.I.A.
Meanwhile, Dolce Amore's North Vancouver location in Lower Lonsdale is marking its first anniversary, with a celebration event planned for the weekend of July 27 and 28.
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