Overview
When Gelato Messina launched its first Brisbane store back in March 2017, it was a long time coming, with the chain not only an established favourite in Sydney and Melbourne, but scooping up its creaming wares in Coolangatta already. Now the ice cream wizards are giving dessert-loving Brisbanites another fix — and giving its existing West End shop a sibling — with a second location due to open in Fortitude Valley this month.
Come 5pm on Thursday, March 21, gelato fiends will want to head to James Street's Ada Lane, as part of the revamped precinct surrounding The Calile Hotel. That's where Messina will be slinging the same frosty treats that fans know and love, just on the other side of the river. Like its other stores around the country, Messina Fortitude Valley will feature 40 flavours that are churned fresh on the premise, including a set range and a lineup of inventive weekly specials.
There is one difference, however. Messina now has a new type of cabinet, which has only been rolled out to its Canberra venue so far. While that mightn't sound all that exciting, the new style means that you'll be able to get a better look at the gelato while you're trying to decide which flavour (or flavours, admit it) to devour. The cabinets have a glass lid, of course, but will keep its precious cargo protected from air, wind and moisture.
Messina Fortitude Valley will also sell the chain's full range of gelato cakes, which were just given a revamp before summer. In the future, you might be able to pick up a bottle of Messina's own milk — sourced from its jersey cows in country Victoria — in store as well.
Decor-wise, apart from the new cabinet, expect concrete exteriors and a small outdoor seating area.
And for Messina aficionados fond of its creative pop-up menus, the brand has another March treat for Brisbanites, thanks to a new 'Take My Breath Away' sundae that'll only be available at this year's Brisbane Ice Cream Festival.
Find Messina Fortitude Valley at Shop RW11, Ada Lane, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley from Thursday, March 21, open from 12pm daily.