Ten new jobs created at third Belfast gelato shop

Now employing 25 staff across its three Belfast outlets, Al Gelato opened its doors for the first time in 2017 on the vibrant Ormeau Road and has since expanded to include a second shop on the Newtownards Road in East Belfast.

Al Gelato’s newest outlet, which is located next to the road’s iconic fish and chip shop Café Fish, will see the brand’s authentic, homemade gelato, as well as milkshakes, traybakes and made-to-order crepes and waffles, add to the culinary offering of the bustling Lisburn Road.

Responding to increasing demand from customers over the past year, the brand’s newest shop will also offer its unrivalled range of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options, as well as fresh takeaway coffee, which is available to customers across all three Belfast outlets.

With an emphasis on using fresh local ingredients and supporting other businesses, Al Gelato produces every batch of fresh of homemade Gelato using high quality, locally sourced ingredients, such as dairy from Draynes Farms in Lisburn, handmade honeycomb from Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory in East Belfast and fruit from St George’s Market in Belfast.

The gelato is made fresh on site, every day, meaning its going from farm to cone in less than 24 hours.

Owner Alistair Macauley commented on the brand’s expansion and hopes for the future.

He continued: “Despite the challenges of the past year, we have seen continued support from our customers in both Belfast locations, and unwavering demand, in every type of weather.

“Even throughout lockdown our customers continue to order online or show their support by safely visiting us in store to get their gelato fix. For that we are truly grateful.

“Three and a half years after we opened for the first time on the Ormeau Road, we have celebrated some amazing milestones including the opening of the second shop over in East Belfast, the success of the pop-up shop on the Lisburn Road last summer, and the relocation of our Ormeau Road HQ to a bigger premises.

“The new Lisburn Road shop is our next adventure!”

Al Gelato’s three branches are open from 2pm-9pm, seven days a week. Al Gelato can also be ordered for delivery via Deliveroo.

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