A Disabled Veteran-Owned Shop Is Bringing Handcrafted Italian Style Gelato to Downtown SLO

A new family- and disabled veteran-owned gelato shop has opened in downtown San Luis Obispo, offering handcrafted Italian-style gelato made from scratch.

The shop, called Gemlato, is located at 1028 Chorro Street in downtown San Luis Obispo, making it just steps from Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It brings traditional Italian-style gelato to the Central Coast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gemlato SLO (@gemlato.slo)

According to the owners, the gelato is made without artificial ingredients or premade bases. They state that each batch is prepared in-house from raw ingredients, including cones and mix-ins.

According to the shop’s Instagram page, menu offerings include Cherry Garcia, described as featuring organic tart cherries and local Vista Del Rey Barbera Port blended with organic chocolate. Another flavor, Stracciatella, is made with organic A2 sweet cream and organic chocolate.

The shop held a soft opening in February 2026. In a February 15 Instagram post, the owners said it was their fourth day of operations and described a steady flow of customers during the launch period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gemlato SLO (@gemlato.slo)

The owners also thanked the community for its support during the soft opening week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gemlato SLO (@gemlato.slo)

The owners say their gelato is “made from scratch,” meaning no prepackaged mixes are used and raw ingredients are combined in-house for each flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gemlato SLO (@gemlato.slo)

An Italian gelato chef traveled from Italy to assist the owners and staff with preparations for opening day, Gemlato posted on its Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gemlato SLO (@gemlato.slo)

Gemlato and Its Owners

Gemlato was founded by siblings Lindsay and Eric, along with Lindsay’s husband, Greg.

According to Gemlato’s website, Lindsay and Eric traveled to Italy to study gelato-making under a third-generation Italian gelato master and gelateria owner before launching the business.

Greg and Lindsay met while studying at the Gemological Institute of America, where they trained as Graduate Gemologists. After working in the jewelry industry, they purchased K. Jons Jewelry Co. in Atascadero.

The idea for opening a gelato shop emerged during a trade show trip to Tucson, Arizona, when a suggestion to open their own shop evolved into a new venture.

The name “Gemlato” combines their background in gemstones with their interest in gelato. Eric brings restaurant management experience to the business.