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La Famiglia Dolce Amore is growing, and they’re ready to show they’re much more than just gelato! Husband and wife duo Giancarlo and Daniela Cusano are expanding their beloved Vancouver brand with three distinct new offerings under one roof in North Burnaby: The Gelato Mafia “TGM Terrazza”, Dolce Amore Bar & Caffetteria, and the brand’s first full-service restaurant, Il Cappello Enoteca.
Located at 6011 Hastings Street, the new headquarters will debut this spring with TGM Terrazza, a gelato patio and pick-up experience, followed by the launch of the caffetteria and enoteca later this summer.
“Dolce Amore was our first child, our second love (after each other), our self-expression, our playground, our way of putting smiles on people’s faces, and in turn on our own,” said Daniela and Giancarlo. “We’ve celebrated many milestone occasions at the original Dolce Amore on Commercial Drive, and the fire we experienced at the end of 2023 was devastating, and nearly brought an end to over 20 years in business.”
Renowned chef Pino Posteraro is Dolce Amore’s culinary director, formerly of award-winning Cioppino’s in Yaletown, to bring the caffetteria, Dolce Amore, and restaurant, Il Cappello Enoteca, to life.
“When we started thinking about what was next for Dolce Amore, we knew we wanted to build something special – honouring the legacy of those who came before us, but also pushing us further. 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. He brings so much heart and depth to everything he does. We’re excited to grow this next chapter with him on our team.”
These new openings join Dolce Amore’s existing locations, including the original Commercial Drive shop (re-opening in 2026), affectionately known as “The Clubhouse”, and the Lower Lonsdale “LoLo Lounge” in North Vancouver, which features Canada’s first affogato bar.
Originally founded in 2002 by the Grippo family, Dolce Amore was one of Vancouver’s original gelaterias. In 2017, daughter Daniela and her husband Giancarlo reimagined the business as The Gelato Mafia, known for its slogan, “Naturally Made, Criminally Good,” a reference to their commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and organic grass-fed milk. Now, driven by their “sweet love” of culture, family, friends, and food, the pair look to expand upon their gelato roots. The Gelato Mafia will remain as “The Gelato Department” of their brand, but Dolce Amore will now offer a true Italian Bar & Caffetteria experience, a gathering place with drinks and food and friendship.
The Gelato Mafia “TGM Terrazza”
Soft opening on June 14, this gelato patio and pickup window offers guests a convenient way to enjoy signature frozen desserts by The Gelato Mafia, such as scoops, takeaway pints, gelato cakes, and more. Gelato is always best enjoyed during a passeggiata, a casual stroll, and their indoor/outdoor patio will allow guests to pop-in at their leisure, said the company.
Dolce Amore Bar & Caffetteria
The true Italian experience. Opening this summer, this modern Italian caffetteria features 25 seats and will be a place for the neighbourhood to gather for great coffee, pizza al taglio, bronze-cut fresh pasta, cocktails, aperitivi, and baked goods by pastry chef, Joyce Mak (previously Cioppino’s), added the brand.
Il Cappello Enoteca
“The Hat of Dolce Amore”. A hat is the final piece to any outfit. The epitome of sophistication and style. Il Cappello Enoteca is Dolce Amore’s first full-service restaurant. Expected to open later this summer, guests can expect a menu rooted in traditional Italian cooking, presented through a fresh, modern lens of evolution. This is not another pizza pasta joint. Daniela and Giancarlo, together with Posteraro, have put together a talented kitchen team, to bring their dream to life, said the company.
“There will be an emphasis on Tuscan cuisine, as well as regional dishes from across Italy, from a variety of antipasti, pasta, risotto, to pizza, piatti principali, and of course, gelato desserts. Just like with their gelato, Il Cappello Enoteca will use the finest quality ingredients, both local and sustainable. The 2,000-square-foot space will feature 100 seats across an intimate dining room and enclosed year-round patio. Il Cappello Enoteca promises an elevated dining experience that is both refined and relaxed, where guests are encouraged to, in true Italian fashion, metti giù il cappello, sei a casa — lay down your hat, you’re home,” it said.
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