Vancouver's legendary Dolce Amore gelato was built as a family business, so it makes sense that its next steps include launching basically a "family" of concepts in one Burnaby hub.
Owners Giancarlo and Daniela Cusano have announced they'll be operating The Gelato Mafia “TGM Terrazza," Dolce Amore Bar & Caffetteria, and the brand’s first full-service restaurant, Il Cappello Enoteca, under one roof at 6011 Hastings St.
The North Burnaby address has a long history as being home to several Italian food concepts, though it actually began as a car dealership. The Dolce Amore crew have been stewards of the property for the past couple of years; they took the space over after the 2023 closure of Cotto Enoteca, which had been there about a decade (amidst some rocky times) before the owner passed away.
Burnaby will be new Dolce Amore home base
Now the Cusanos have big plans for the space, including making the Burnaby the new Dolce Amore HQ, something much needed following the 2023 loss of their Commercial Drive shop in a devastating fire. (That said, Dolce Amore is still working to re-open on The Drive in 2026.)
"With Burnaby as our new home base, we are rising from the ashes, stronger and more passionate than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome the neighbourhood and community to visit all three concepts," shared the Cusanos in a press release.
Daniela is one of the many Grippo siblings who grew up working in the family's Dolce Amore gelato shop. She and her husband, Giancarlo, took over the business in 2017, giving it its "Gelato Mafia" identity.
Familiar faces join 'la famiglia'
One of the exciting additions to "la famiglia" of Dolce Amore is legendary Vancouver chef Pino Posteraro. The Cusanos have tapped the storied restaurateur of the late Cioppino's to be the culinary director for this triplet venture.
"Chef Pino has always been someone we’ve looked up to. His knowledge and excellence in the industry is unmatched, and we are so honoured to have him join us as our culinary director," said the Cusanos. "He brings so much heart and depth to everything he does. We’re excited to grow this next chapter with him on our team."
Here's what to expect for each of the three Dolce Amore concepts in North Burnaby:
The Gelato Mafia “TGM Terrazza”
The Gelato Mafia's new patio and pickup window will make it easy to grab scoops, pints, gelato cakes, and more. Perfect for a leisurely outing, guests can swing by anytime to chill indoors or out.
Soft opening: June 15.
Dolce Amore Bar & Caffetteria
Described as "the true Italian experience," this 25-seater will be a gathering place with coffee, pizza al taglio (pizza in rectangular sheets served by the piece or strip), house-made pasta, share plates, baked good by former Cioppino's pastry chef Joyce Mak, and cocktails.
Opening: Summer 2025.
Il Cappello Enoteca
Il cappello translates from Italian as "the hat," and like the final piece to an outfit, Il Capello Enoteca is the "hat" of Dolce Amore. This full-service restaurant will be a contemporary take on Italian fare rooted in tradition. "This is not another pizza pasta joint," notes a media release. Tuscan cuisine will be the focal point, though other regions of Italy will be represented on the menu, which will have antipasti, pasta, main dishes, and gelato-based desserts. The 2,000-square-foot space will feature 100 seats across an intimate dining room and enclosed year-round patio.
Opening: Late summer 2025.
Follow the various Dolce Amore concepts on Instagram: @DolceAmore.ca, @IlCappelloEnoteca, and @TheGelatoMafia.
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