FAIRFIELD, CT — Oggi Gelato, the popular, authentic international gelato shop, is opening its second Connecticut location Saturday at 1499 Post Road in downtown Fairfield.
Located in the space that previously held a Chico's clothing store, the shop specializes in fresh, handmade artisan gelato, and churns out flavors every 15 to 20 minutes, according to co-owner Maurizio Ricci.
"We make only real homemade, artisanal products without artificial colors, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils," the website reads. "Today and every day OGGI promises to produce authentic, local and made fresh daily products for the communities we serve."
The shop offers both dairy and dairy-free flavors, and co-owner Carmelo Chiaramida said his favorite combination is a bit of a surprise for someone from Italy.
"My favorite combination is dark chocolate and limone, German style," Chiaramida said with a smile.
— From left, Maurizio Ricci, Eric Blomberg and Carmelo Chiaramida, co-owners of the Oggi Gelato Fairfield. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch
Chiaramida founded the chain in Europe, and now has a dozen locations, primarily in Italy and Spain. He says he hopes to open more shops in Connecticut. Other partners in the Connecticut ventures are Giuliano Parolin, attorney Eric Blomberg, and Massimo De Paola.
"The idea is to add more locations, three, four, maybe five shops in Connecticut," Chiaramida told Patch. "Maybe, hopefully, after we get this one going."
Ricci, who also owns Romanacci pizzerias and restaurants in Connecticut, met Chiaramida a few years ago at a food show in Italy, where the two became friends.
"Carmelo, since he was a young kid, he was obsessed with America," Ricci said. "He didn't have any connections in the United States, and we met after I heard him talking about the America with passion, and I told him that I have a few restaurants in the U.S. in Connecticut. And that's how it started."
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— The menu at Oggi Gelato Fairfield, at 1499 Post Road. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch
On Friday, the shop held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz.
Work crews and employees were putting the finishing touches on the shop on Friday in preparation for the grand opening, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.
Following Saturday's opening, the shop's regular hours will be noon to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; and noon to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.