A new dessert destination is set to open in Dallas’ Park Cities, offering a distinctive twist on traditional gelato with Argentine flair. Gelato La Boca, an established online brand, will open its first retail location in Snider Plaza, at 3406 Rosedale Avenue, with plans to welcome customers by late spring.
Founded in September 2023 by Martín Pereyra de Olazabal and Owen Carlson, Gelato La Boca initially launched as a direct-to-consumer brand, available through their website and at local retailers like Central Market and Foxtrot. The company also operates a gelato cart, which can be found at Klyde Warren Park every Saturday. The new retail shop will complement these existing operations, providing a more immersive experience for gelato lovers.
Martín, who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years after growing up in Argentina, partnered with Highland Park native Carlson to share their passion for the sweet treat. “We wanted to recreate the way people eat fresh artisanal gelato in Argentina,” the duo explains.
The Snider Plaza location, previously home to Ben’s Cookies, a London-based cookie chain that closed in early 2024, will offer a cozy, standing-room-only setup with a bar and an outdoor bench. The shop will also serve coffee and affogato, a traditional Italian dessert made with gelato and hot espresso.
“It is hard in Dallas to find an intimate space,” Carlson notes. “You don’t need a large space for a gelato shop. It all lined up for us.”
Gelato La Boca offers a rotating selection of 12 flavors at the shop, though customers can enjoy 30 flavors through delivery, made possible by their custom-branded Fiat. By keeping the in-store selection smaller, the owners aim to surprise patrons with new flavors every time they visit.
Signature flavors include Chocolate La Boca (Ecuadorian chocolate with dulce de leche and chocolate flakes), Sambayón (an egg, sugar, and wine-based gelato similar to Italian Zabaione), and Dulce de Leche La Boca (swirled with dulce de leche syrup or chocolate chip). Other options include Strawberry Rose gelato infused with rose petals and a Fruitera sorbet featuring orange, peach, and strawberry. The shop will also feature vegan options, such as pistachio and chocolate.
These unique flavors were developed by chef Manu Torterola, an Argentine native who grew up in a family of gelato makers. Torterola crafted the recipes to reflect the authentic taste of Argentine gelato, which tends to be creamier and richer than traditional Italian versions, often with distinctive flavors like dulce de leche.
Gelato La Boca’s distinctive offering also includes the use of Pozzetti counters, which store gelato in sealed containers to maintain optimal texture and temperature. This approach is different from the open displays seen in most gelato shops but ensures ideal consistency for the product. The shop is prepared to educate customers with sampling, allowing them to explore the unique names and flavors on offer.
“We are ready to offer the neighborhood the best scoop of gelato they have ever had,” Carlson adds.
Gelato La Boca’s opening in Snider Plaza marks a sweet addition to Dallas’ vibrant dessert scene, bringing a taste of Argentina to the heart of the city.
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