Bringing Italy to Colorado, one scoop at a time

There are few pleasures as simple and satisfying as a scoop of something cold, creamy and sweet. While ice cream may be the familiar favorite, gelato offers a rich, indulgent experience. In Colorado, that authentic taste of Italy can be found at Gelato & Co., where three generations of the Barsness family are bringing a beloved Italian tradition to Douglas County.

 

 

The story began thousands of miles away on family trips to Italy. For years, the Barsness family wandered through sun-drenched piazzas and bustling streets, drawn to neighborhood gelaterias by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked waffle cones and handcrafted desserts. What began as a vacation ritual quickly became a passion.

“It wasn’t just dessert,” the family recalled. “It was an experience.”

Determined to bring that experience home, Dean Barsness, his son Jonathan, and Jonathan’s wife, Susan, immersed themselves in the art of traditional gelato making. They studied the techniques, textures and generations-old traditions that define authentic Italian gelato, learning firsthand what makes it so different from the frozen treats Americans know best.

That passion led them to open Gelato & Co. in Colorado, where guests are greeted by the scent of fresh waffle cones and display cases filled with vibrant, handcrafted flavors.

“We felt there was a need in Colorado for authentic, high-quality gelato with a traditional Italian experience,” the Barsness family said.

Today, they operate Gelato & Co. stores in Highlands Ranch at 1509 Park Central Drive and Castle Rock at 830 New Memphis Court, making it easier than ever for residents to enjoy a taste of Italy without boarding a plane.

While the word gelato literally translates to “ice cream,” the two desserts are distinctly different. Traditional ice cream contains a higher percentage of cream and is churned at a faster speed, incorporating more air and creating a lighter texture.

“Gelato is not frozen hard like ice cream,” Jonathan explained. “It is produced and served at a much higher temperature, giving it a softer, silkier, denser texture that people love.”

Because gelato is served slightly warmer, flavors are more pronounced with the first bite. The lower level of ice crystals prevents the palate from becoming numb, allowing ingredients to shine through immediately.

At Gelato & Co., quality begins with craftsmanship. Every batch is made fresh daily by a team of five full-time pastry chefs who carefully balance ingredients by hand. The process requires precision, patience and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

“The key is getting the right ingredients in the correct amounts,” the Barsness family explained. “Everything must be layered and mixed by hand with enough care to ensure consistency throughout the entire batch.”

That dedication is reflected in the shop, where more than 20 varieties of gelato, along with extraordinary desserts and pastries, tempt customers each day. Roughly half of the flavor case of gelato selections rotate monthly, allowing guests to discover seasonal creations alongside classic favorites.

Among the standouts is Pistachio, a flavor that Dean and Jonathan insist must be made the traditional way despite the high cost of sourcing premium pistachios. For them, authenticity is never negotiable.

The family also embraces Colorado-grown ingredients whenever possible. During peach season, Palisade Peach becomes a customer favorite, showcasing the state’s renowned fruit at its peak freshness.

For adventurous palates, Lavender Honey has become an unexpected sensation, while Pineapple Mint sorbet consistently surprises first-time visitors.

“People taste it and their eyes get really big,” Jonathan said. “They can’t seem to order it quickly enough.”

Those seeking a signature favorite often gravitate toward Kroc Choc, a decadent blend of hazelnut, chocolate, vanilla and almond that has developed a loyal following.

Beyond the gelato itself, the Barsness family believes dessert shops play an important role in creating community. They envision their shop as more than a place to satisfy a sweet tooth—it is a gathering place where families, friends and neighbors can slow down, connect and enjoy life’s simple pleasures together.

Their mission is to recreate the magic they first discovered in Italy: the joy of a perfectly crafted scoop; the excitement of discovering a new favorite flavor; and the feeling of being a kid again, no matter your age.

At Gelato & Co., that magic is served fresh every day—one scoop at a time. Visit gelatoeco.com for store hours and more information.

By ViVi Somphon