Council Approves Permits for New Old Town Gelato Shop

Alexandria City Council approved plans Saturday to open a gelato shop in a townhouse building located at 111 S. Payne St. in Old Town.

Benjamin and Perla Umansky have been developing their own gelato recipe for several years, having learned from experts in the United States and Argentina.

Along with gourmet gelato, the Umanskys will offer lactose-free as well as sugar-free varieties. All gelato will be produced on-site.  

Coffee and other desserts like cakes and pastries produced off-site will also be sold.

The shop will have 16 indoor seats and an additional 18 seats in a fenced-in patio in the rear of the building.

The shop was approved for hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The outdoor patio was approved for use from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends.

In February 2012, local preservationist Boyd Walker had permits approved to operate a gelato shop at a nearby historic ice house building on Commerce Street. Walker told Patch he no longer plans to open a gelato shop at that property.

Editor's note: This article has been edited since it was first published.