Downtown Hattiesburg has welcomed yet another local restaurant, Domenico’s Gelato Bar. Located in the previously empty area attached to Bianchi’s Pizzeria, Domenico’s brings a new and unique product to the Hattiesburg community.
Tom White, owner of Bianchi’s Pizzeria and Domenico’s Gelato Bar, said the idea was put into motion after his good friend and neighbor, Brian Shaffle, returned home from a family trip to Italy.
“We had been serving gelato and calling it ‘ice cream’ at Bianchi’s for almost forever,” White said.
The empty spot where Domenico’s is now located was previously used for events such as Hubfest and the Art Walk. Besides those events, the area did not get much use.
Domenico’s Gelato Bar offers 18 flavors. They offer classic flavors such as chocolate and vanilla, but they also offer flavors such as peanut butter and Nutella to add variety.
Gelato only has a few qualities that distinguish it from ice cream. Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream.
“First and primarily, gelato is much denser than American ice cream,” said Danillo Alfaro, culinary arts expert from About Food.
Gelato does not have as much butter fat as ice cream and is churned through a different process, which adds less air to the base.
Ashley Gunkel is the owner of Stitched Boutique, just four doors down from Domenico’s Gelato Bar. Gunkel has seen many of her customers indulging in the new sweet treats. Just the other day she walked down the street and tried some for herself.
“You could taste the real fruit pieces in it. It was so light and airy,” Gunkel said. “I want to go get some right now.”
Over the past few years, the downtown Hattiesburg area has continued to expand. From boutiques that offer rare and eccentric items to restaurants that stay open late to music venues that attract musical talent from across the region, the downtown community offers a lot to students.
“There is a lot for students to do downtown. This adds to it,” White said regarding Domenico’s.
For more information visit www.domenicosgelato.com.
