Zio’s Gelateria received an award for Outstanding Achievement in the Dessert Parlour of the Year category at the Welsh Cafe & Bakery Awards on March 23, showcasing their dedication to pushing the boundaries of the dessert world.
These awards aim to celebrate as many cafes in Wales as possible, highlighting their excellent menus, customer service and hard work alongside the innovation of talented individuals who work within the industry.
Zio Zeraschi, owner of Zio’s Gelateria, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been recognised. It comes as a bit of a surprise but we’re extremely grateful.”
The business was inspired by Mr Zeraschi’s Nonno, Giacomo Zeraschi. Upon moving to Wales in 1928 he sold his homemade ice cream around the Welsh valleys from his cart. When the family moved to Barry Island 30 years later, he would open the Piccolo Bar and begin the Zeraschi’s reign on the seafront.
A young Zio would work alongside his parents here but dreamt of making his own gelato, just like his Nonno, and wanted to bring a taste of Italy to the Welsh coastline. His passion for ice cream spans more than 30 years, with hours of research put into the different machinery, flavours and formulas that would make his business great upon its opening in 2018.
Today, Zio’s makes and serves up a range of exciting ice cream flavours whilst perfecting the traditional classics that keep customers coming back for more, tailoring the menu to suit the seasons.
Mr Zeraschi continued: “This award goes out to our staff too. They’re such a nice team and they work hard so its nice for them to also be recognised alongside the business.
‘Master ice cream maker’ Mariana said: “The more people that come to visit us, the more positive feedback we get and it’s always great to hear.”
This Barry business isn’t the only one recognised at the Welsh Cafe & Bakery Awards, as Coastal Coffee was named the Best Coffee Shop in Wales – something that Mr Zeraschi says is “brilliant”.
