In the midst of a global pandemic, two Italian American families came together with the same vision and opened a gelato shop in Montclair, New Jersey. The Mazzeo and Brown families are the co-owners of Benvenuti, located at 20 Church St. in downtown Montclair. Co-owner Roger Mazzeo is a Montclair State University alumnus.

“It’s not ice cream, it’s gelato,” Mazzeo emphasized. “It’s different.” Mazzeo values the easygoing Italian lifestyle which can be hard to find in the chaotic lives of many New Jerseyans. He also misses the espresso bars found on almost every street corner in Italy where he could grab a quick coffee and chat with strangers.