Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pierre Alexandre, owner of Dolce Brooklyn, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Gelato is Italian-style ice cream. It is significantly lower in fat, 6-8%, and has a lot less air than traditional American-style ice cream, which accounts for its smooth texture and premium flavor.
Our gelato is made with all-natural, award-winning milk from the Hudson Valley (Battenkill Valley Creamery), and only the finest ingredients are added to create our gelato & sorbetto (vegan). Each flavor is made on the premise in small batches to ensure freshness and quality.
Our chef, Kristina Frantz, sources many of the fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farmer's market and other top ingredients from specialty shops. We use only fine European chocolates from France and Belgium and only whole nuts rather than pastes.
Our flavors change seasonally, and new ones are added regularly. We are working with Chefs in the New York area to help enhance the menu for their restaurants, hotels, and catering events. We can create savory and sweet bespoke flavors.
Tell us about yourself
I was an economic journalist for 20 years before becoming a serial entrepreneur. I created Dolce Brooklyn in 2016 with Kristina.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Raising funds for development. Dolce Brooklyn is seeking investment to further its growth, purchase equipment, and streamline production capacity as a high-end gelato company. https://mainvest.com/b/dolce-brooklyn-brooklyn
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You are always in the front line. You need to take a lot of risks, and at the same time, you need to create some limits.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't listen to others, and don't give up too fast.
- Make mistakes, Learn, and move on fast.
- Be patient and resilient.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dolcebrooklyn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behappyeatgelato
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolcebrooklyn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrooklynDolce
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrealexandrenyc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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