Argentine artisanal gelato producer, FRÍO Gelato, announced the opening of a vibrant new location in Evanston. Located at 1301 Chicago Avenue, FRÍO Gelato sweetens up the corners of Dempster and Chicago as it continues to artfully bring Argentina’s gelato tradition to the U.S. Taking over a longstanding ice cream shop, the new gelato locale remains a go-to frozen dessert destination for Evanston residents.
FRÍO Gelato is proud to serve the highest quality gelato using all-natural ingredients, offering locals a healthy and unique dessert. While many gelato manufacturers use pre-made bases and add artificial powdered flavorings, the FRÍO Gelato team pasteurizes and produces a homemade recipe using hormone-free milk. Made in an allergen-conscious kitchen with a nut and gluten-free focus, using the freshest ingredients sourced from Argentina, FRÍO Gelato is the perfect treat for nearly every diet.
FRÍO Gelato boasts over 30 homemade flavors, including Dulce de Leche (Argentine milk caramel), Malbec con Frutos Rojos (malbec wine with berries), Queso y Miel (cheese and honey), Sambayón (egg custard with marsala wine), and Yerba Mate (herbal tea). Those seeking dairy-free treats have an array of options with FRÍO Gelato’s sorbets, including Ananá (pineapple), Maracuyá (passion fruit), Naranja (orange) and Tamarindo (Tamarind). The brand is also known for its specialty menu items, with highlights including:
- Ahogado: gelato drowned in a double shot of espresso
- Alfa-lato: gelato sandwiched between two Argentine alfajor cookies
- Café-lato: coffee flavored with melted gelato
- Cucurucho: homemade waffle cone featuring two gelato flavors, served with a spatula and massaged and swirled (option to dip in chocolate)
FRÍO Gelato is owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo and Evanston residents, Sebastián and Karla Koziura. Growing up in Buenos Aires, Sebastián frequented the corner “heladería” with his grandmother, and after moving to the U.S., was surprised to find nothing like his childhood treat in the states. After extensive training with Argentine gelato masters, Sebastián partnered with his cousin, Enrique Schcolnik, a Dairy Consultant and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, to bring Argentine gelato to Chicago. Together, they developed a natural, flavorful gelato suitable of all cultures and regions, and FRÍO Gelato was born.
“In Argentina, gelato is more than a dessert. It is a social tradition that is embraced any time of the day and year, and we plan on making this the norm in Chicago,” says co-founder Sebastián Koziura. “Heladerías are where families and friends spend time together, and with our new location, we are continuing to create an Argentine gelato experience for our community.”
With locations in Evanston and Lakeview, and the option to order gelato-to-go, FRÍO Gelato is changing the way Chicagoans enjoy dessert. FRÍO Gelato also offers wholesale opportunities to restaurants, companies and consumers, presenting a unique addition to menus, events and special occasions.