FENNVILLE, Mich. (WZZM) - A Fennville business has been nationally recognized for its tasty frozen treat. In fact, some of the most famous people in the world have given Palazzolo's the thumbs up.
Pete Palazzolo says don't be fooled by the name, gelato is a treat everyone is familiar with.
"What is gelato? Its ice cream. No one should tell you any different," says Palazzolo, owner of Palazzolo's.
The only difference is how Palazzalo started his gelato business.
"I used to put 50 thousand miles on my car every year meeting chefs," says Palazzalo. "I always got the exact same reaction, 'wow can you make me this'."
25 years and 600 flavors later, his family-owned business has gotten the stamp of approval from top celebrities like Oprah, The Jonas Brothers, and Ron Howard.
The company employs 18 people, including Executive Chef Jeremy Seafort.
"There are few culinary jobs out there anymore that aren't in a chain restaurant," says Seafort.
"The 18 workers we have work like 30 people and get paid like that too," says Palazzolo.
Gelato sales have expanded from fine dining restaurants to grocery stores. In fact, Palazzolo's gelato is being sold in 40 locations around the country.
"We're right off of a highway that goes from New York City to California, so it's a very easy distribution hub," says Palazzolo.
Palazzalo's also has a brand new gelato truck, which in many ways acts like a miniature store.
"There's 30 flavors on the truck, all pre-packaged in individual servings," says Palazzolo.
Many of the ingredients are locally made, including at least 16,000 gallons of milk each week and counting.
"As long as we're growing, eventually I'll be able to afford more people," says Palazzolo.
You can buy the Palazzolo's gelato at any Spartan store in Michigan.
For more information call 1-800-4-GELATO or email Pete Palazzolo at pete@4gelato.com